People queue as they wait to fuel up at a gas station, after rebels took the main northern city of Aleppo and have since pushed south from their enclave in northwest Syria, December 4, 2024. REUTERS/Karam al-Masri
Syrian Aid Worker Prepares for Return to Aleppo Amid Rebel Advances
Dr. Mehdi Davut, a Syrian aid worker based in Istanbul, has expressed both hope and caution as he plans his first return to his homeland in eight years. His visit to Aleppo aims to assess the humanitarian needs in the recently captured city. Speaking to Reuters, Dr. Davut highlighted the emotional significance of Aleppo’s recent developments.
“The liberation of Aleppo brought us joy because Aleppo was a source of pain,” said Davut, reflecting the sentiment shared by many Syrians living in Istanbul, home to an estimated half a million Syrian refugees.
Aleppo’s Capture by Rebels Sparks Hopes of Return
Syrian rebels have taken control of Aleppo from President Bashar al-Assad’s forces, marking a significant shift in the long-running conflict. The victory has rekindled hopes among the city’s displaced residents, many of whom have been in exile since 2016 when Assad’s forces, supported by Russia and Iran, seized control of the city after a devastating siege.
Rebels have also initiated a new offensive toward the city of Hama, signaling further challenges to Assad’s authority. The ongoing conflict, which began in 2011 as part of the Arab Spring uprisings, has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced millions, with over half of Syria’s pre-war population forced to flee their homes.
Refugee Integration in Turkey and the Prospect of Return
Many Syrians, including a significant number from Aleppo, have settled in Turkey, where they have adapted to their new environment by learning the language, enrolling children in local schools, and even obtaining Turkish citizenship. However, their proximity to Syria reflects a persistent hope for eventual return.
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya estimates that over 40% of the approximately 3 million Syrians in Turkey hail from Aleppo. Despite this connection, the destruction of the city during the war has made the prospect of large-scale returns uncertain.
Assessing Needs in Aleppo
Dr. Davut, who manages an organization supporting Syrians in Turkey, is traveling to Aleppo to evaluate the city’s requirements for food and medical aid. However, he expressed concerns about the potential for renewed military action.
“We are afraid of another attack,” Davut said, underscoring fears that Assad’s forces might retaliate. “Even those who wish to return will likely wait at least six months or a year.”
Turkish and International Responses
In recent months, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has pursued reconciliation efforts with Assad, signaling a shift in Turkey’s stance. Erdoğan previously stated that 670,000 Syrians had returned from Turkey and projected that another million could follow.
Interior Minister Yerlikaya has urged caution, advising displaced Aleppans eager to return to wait until the region is deemed safe. “Once the region is identified as safe, it will be announced,” he said.
Northwest Syria has experienced relative stability since 2020, following a Turkish-Russian agreement. While Turkey backs the Syrian opposition, including some armed groups, it has distanced itself from the recent rebel offensive. Moscow, meanwhile, has reiterated its support for Assad’s government.
Challenges to Stability
The recent rebel advances have drawn mixed reactions. Hadi al-Bahra, head of the Syrian opposition abroad, described the operation as a step toward reopening Aleppo for displaced Syrians on both sides of the border, including up to 600,000 in Turkey. However, concerns remain due to the involvement of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group classified as a terrorist organization by several countries, including Turkey and the United States.
Refugees Share Mixed Emotions
In Istanbul’s Fatih district, which hosts a large Syrian community, news of Aleppo’s capture brought a sense of celebration. Dr. Davut’s clinic distributed sweets to mark the occasion.
“God willing, we can go to Aleppo,” said nurse Intisar Ashour, who fled the city a decade ago after losing her brother in a bombing. “It’s a joy from deep inside our hearts.”
Others shared similar hopes but expressed caution. Mahir, a 60-year-old shopkeeper, reflected on the challenges ahead. “We have spent 50 years under the Assad regime. It’s horrible. You cannot imagine how Syrians suffered,” he said.
As Aleppo’s future hangs in the balance, displaced Syrians continue to dream of returning, though fears of renewed conflict temper their optimism.
COMMENTS