KILIS, Türkiye

Syrians who sought refuge in Türkiye during the 13-year civil war in their home country continue returning to Syria following the fall of the decades-long Baath regime.

Syrians gathering at the Oncupinar Customs Gate in Türkiye’s southeastern Kilis province head back to their homeland after completing procedures at migration repatriation centers.

Omer Halibo, 45, who traveled from Istanbul to the border gate, expressed his gratitude to the Turkish people for their hospitality.

“The Turkish people took us under their wings,” he praised, adding: “I worked in the shoe industry in Türkiye and will continue the same work in my homeland.”

“I am returning voluntarily because the war is over,” he said.

Halibo noted: “I also plan to bring my family to Syria after I return. I am eager to see my country and my home.”

Twelve-year-old Luceyn Bekkur shared her feelings: “We fled the civil war when I was three and came to Türkiye.”

“I made wonderful friends here and had great days. I was very happy staying in Türkiye,” she expressed, adding: “I’m excited to return to my homeland, which I missed so much.”

“Thank you for hosting us. We had beautiful days,” she stated.

Sidra Bekkur, 14, who arrived in Türkiye about ten years ago, said: “I attended school here and am currently in 6th grade. I made Turkish friends, and they cried when I told them I was returning to Syria.”

“My teacher even sang a song for me,” she praised, adding: “My friends didn’t want me to leave.”

“But since the war is over, we wanted to return to our homeland. After all, it’s our country. I am deeply grateful to Türkiye for opening its heart to us. I will miss it dearly.”

During the Syrian civil war, some 4 million Syrians took shelter in Türkiye, more than any other country in the world.

Dictator Bashar Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia after anti-regime groups took control of Damascus on Dec. 8, ending the Baath Party regime, which had been in power in Syria since 1963.

*Writing by Merve Berker