For many Syrians who grew up in exile, the idea of returning home carries a powerful emotional pull, even when their memories of the country are faint or fragmented.
Ahmed, 18, is one of them. Standing outside a mosque in Gaziantep, near Turkey’s border with Syria, he speaks with determination about his future. His family fled Syria when he was five, but he plans to return within the next two years. Before that, he wants to save some money, aware that salaries in Syria remain low. Despite the uncertainty, he believes the country’s prospects will improve as reconstruction advances.
If Ahmed follows through, he will join more than half a million Syrians who have left Turkey since the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Many of them had lived in Turkey for over a decade, after fleeing the civil war that began in 2011. At its peak, Turkey hosted around 3.5 million Syrians, more than any other country, a situation that strained public services and fuelled political tensions.
Although Turkish authorities insist that returns are voluntary, some Syrians say the environment has become less welcoming. Changes in regulations and social attitudes have increased the sense of pressure. Civil society groups report that the message from officials is increasingly clear: the time to leave may be approaching.
Within the Syrian community, discussions about returning are constant. Aya Mustafa, 32, whose hometown Aleppo lies just across the border, says the desire to go back is widespread but complicated. Many families rebuilt their lives in Turkey, often working in trades far removed from their previous professions. Others have children born in Turkey who struggle with Arabic, making reintegration difficult.
Aya recently visited Aleppo and saw the scale of destruction firsthand. Although her family home remains standing, it is now occupied by others. She worries about basic necessities such as electricity, water and employment, especially for elderly relatives and people with disabilities. For now, she believes her family cannot survive there, but she remains hopeful that conditions will improve over time.
Not everyone shares that optimism. A Syrian aid worker based in Gaziantep, who asked not to be named, is firm in his decision to stay in Turkey with his family. He cites ongoing insecurity, economic hardship and weaknesses in public services under Syria’s interim government. Having visited the country himself, he says daily violence and instability make long-term return unrealistic for his family.
Life in Turkey, however, is also challenging. Syrians under temporary protection face restrictions on movement and employment, with work permits difficult to obtain and many confined to low-paid jobs. Recent policy changes, including the end of free medical care and higher costs for employers hiring Syrians, have added to their concerns.
Analysts warn that domestic politics could further affect Syrian refugees. With elections expected by 2028, refugee advocates fear a return of anti-immigrant rhetoric, which previously featured prominently in political campaigns.
At the border, the contrast is striking. Some Syrians cross back only for short visits, especially those with Turkish citizenship who can return freely. Others know that once they leave, there may be no coming back.
For Mahmud Sattouf, a 63-year-old teacher, the journey home is filled with joy and resolve. He plans to return permanently with his family once conditions stabilise. Despite his age, he feels ready to help rebuild his country.
For Syrians in Turkey, the choice between returning home and staying in exile remains deeply personal, shaped by hope, fear and the realities on both sides of the border.
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