Syrian Refugees Find Hope and Homecoming in Turkey

Turkey Extends Helping Hand to Returning Syrian Families

In a heartwarming turn of events, Syrian families are finally returning to their homeland after the end of the civil war, thanks to the generosity of Turkey. At the border crossings, hundreds of Syrian families are greeted by women soldiers who show them kindness akin to a mother’s care.

Iman Elcemal, one of those returning to her homeland, expressed her gratitude towards Turkey, saying, “We owe a lot to Turkey. My biggest dream was to become a nurse here. I will fulfill my dream in Syria. I made many friends here, but unfortunately, I lost some friends in the earthquake. Every year, I will visit the graves of my dear departed friends.”

Syrian Families Reunite at Turkish Border Crossings

After 13 years in exile, the excitement of returning to their homeland is palpable among Syrian families passing through Hatay’s Cilvegözü, Yayladağı, and Zeytindalı Customs Gates. With their transit documents from the Directorate General of Migration Management, the Syrians cross the border joyfully, experiencing the happiness of reuniting with their land.

The Elcemal Family, residing in Hatay for the past 10 years, including father Eymen Elcemal (40), mother Rezzan İzettin (38), and children Iman (17), Mustafa (13), Limar (10), and Han (3), crossed the border to go to Damascus with smiles on their faces.

A Personal Story of Resilience and Gratitude

Iman Elcemal, a 12th-grade student preparing for university entrance exams, shared her emotions, stating, “We owe a lot to Turkey. My biggest dream was to become a nurse here. But I will fulfill this dream in Syria. I made many friends here, but unfortunately, I lost some friends in the earthquake. I can never forget them. Every year, I will visit the graves of my beloved friends. They live in my heart.”

From Two to Five: The Joy of Reunion

Beyazıt Beyazıt (38) and his wife Khamıs Ebtesam (36), who came to Hatay six years ago and worked as factory workers, are overjoyed to reunite with their relatives in Damascus with their three-year-old son Cud and six-month-old twins, Ahmet and Adem. Beyazıt expressed their happiness, saying, “We came to Turkey as two people, but we are leaving for Syria with five. All three of my children were born in Turkey. Turkey embraced us with open arms.”

In conclusion, the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland, facilitated by Turkey’s compassion and support, marks a significant milestone in their journey towards rebuilding their lives and finding hope after years of displacement and turmoil.