Between Hope and Uncertainty

After more than a decade of conflict and displacement, Syrian refugees in Turkey continue to navigate an uncertain future shaped by shifting political developments, fragile security conditions inside Syria and intensifying social and economic pressures in Turkey. In this context, the question of return, whether truly voluntary, undertaken prematurely out of necessity or effectively compelled by deteriorating circumstances remains deeply personal and highly complex. Decisions are rarely made on the basis of a single factor; rather, they emerge from the interaction of safety, livelihood, family obligations, legal status and the desire for dignity and stability.

The discussions that inform this report took place in August and December 2025, following major political changes in Syria with the fall of Assad regime on 8 December 2024. Across sessions, participants referred to “8 December” as a moment of profound emotional significance; marked by relief, celebration and renewed hope that change might open pathways home. Yet this hope was consistently tempered by grief and unresolved trauma. For many, the same date also revived painful memories and ongoing uncertainty connected to detention, disappearance and the loss of family members, leaving participants caught between longing for return and fear of renewed harm.

This report synthesizes insights from three small-scale qualitative meetings held by Mülteci-Der. It aims to amplify refugees’ voices -especially women’s perspectives- on what “voluntary return” means in practice, what reliable information and procedural protections people need and what conditions would make return possible without compromising safety, rights and family unity. In doing so, it highlights not only the factors that encourage or discourage return but also the uncertainty and constrained choices that many refugees experience as they weigh their options.