Rebuilding Lives, Redefining Home

The Syrian conflict, now spanning over a decade and a half, has triggered one of the largest and most protracted displacement crises in recent history. Millions of Syrians, escaping the horrors of war, indiscriminate violence, and systemic persecution, have fled their homes, seeking refuge in neighbouring countries and beyond. Turkey, in particular, has borne a significant and arguably disproportionate responsibility, hosting the largest number of Syrian refugees globally. This influx has strained Turkish resources, impacted social cohesion, and reshaped the nation’s demographic landscape.

While the initial focus was understandably on providing immediate humanitarian assistance – shelter, food, medical care – the protracted nature of the crisis necessitated a shift towards longer-term integration and support. However, the dramatic political shifts in Syria, specifically the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, have fundamentally altered the discourse, bringing the fraught question of return to the forefront.

Despite the regime’s collapse, the situation in Syria remains exceptionally fragile. Localized conflicts persist, fueled by competing factions and lingering sectarian tensions. Concerns over widespread human rights violations, including arbitrary detention, torture, and extrajudicial killings, remain paramount. The nation’s economic infrastructure lies in ruins, with widespread unemployment, rampant inflation, and a collapse of essential services. Furthermore, the destruction of housing, schools, and hospitals has left many areas uninhabitable, creating a daunting obstacle for potential returnees.

The issue of Syrian refugees has become a central and highly politicized topic in Turkish domestic politics. With economic pressures mounting and societal anxieties rising, the presence of millions of refugees has become a lightning rod for political debate. Anti-refugee sentiment has been exploited by various political actors, creating a climate of uncertainty and fear for Syrian communities in Turkey. This politicization has further complicated the already complex issue of return, making it a highly sensitive and contentious subject.

This report delves into the complex and emotionally charged issue of return to Syria, based on insights gathered from a series of carefully structured focus group discussions with Syrian refugees residing in various regions of Turkey. These discussions, conducted in December 2024 and January 2025, after the fall of the Assad regime, offer a nuanced and deeply personal understanding of the hopes, fears, and multifaceted challenges that Syrian refugees face as they contemplate the possibility of returning home.