Turkish Parliament speaker hopes for safe return of 3m Syrians after Assad’s fall

The Turkish leadership has made clear its stance on the safe return of the 3 million Syrians who have sought refuge in Türkiye, following recent developments in Syria.

Speaking candidly about the situation, Speaker of the Turkish Parliament Numan Kurtulmus, Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc, and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan all underscored the importance of ensuring a voluntary and peaceful return for Syrians, following the fall of Syria's Baath Party regime.

They collectively emphasised the need for Syria to be rebuilt in a way that fosters unity among its diverse population, while avoiding revenge against the Assad regime and eliminating terrorist elements.

Kurtulmus: "Syria belongs to the Syrians"

On Monday, Numan Kurtulmus stressed the necessity of caution in facilitating the return of Syrians, particularly in light of the risk of provocation from terrorist groups. He stated: *"We would like Syrian refugees to return to their homeland,"* but warned that care must be taken to prevent interference from groups that could destabilise the situation. He added, *"Syria belongs to the Syrians,"* underscoring that the future of the country should be determined by its own people.

Tunc: "Our Syrian brothers and sisters should live freely"

Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc echoed these sentiments in a statement on Sunday, emphasising the importance of creating a safe and stable environment for Syrians to return to. He stated: *"Our Syrian brothers and sisters should live freely and safely in their own lands,"* and expressed Türkiye's commitment to ending the internal conflict in Syria as quickly as possible to restore stability. Tunc also highlighted Türkiye's role in supporting the Syrian people during the ongoing civil war, noting the country’s efforts to provide aid and advocate for regional stability. He hinted at Türkiye's potential involvement in helping rebuild Syria's infrastructure and governance, stressing the importance of national unity and territorial integrity in the post-conflict period.

Fidan: "Syrians can return to their country"

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also weighed in on the matter, pointing out that the Syrian regime had failed to meet the basic needs of its population, which led to widespread displacement. He explained: "The regime has failed to address very important issues. State institutions have failed to respond to the needs of the Syrian people. Half the population was displaced both inside and outside the country." However, Fidan voiced optimism, stating: "Millions of Syrians who were forced to leave their country can now return. The new administration needs to be set up in an orderly manner."

He stressed that the return of refugees must be handled with inclusivity and care, warning against actions that could lead to further instability in the region. "We are in touch with all actors in the region and outside the region to act carefully and calmly," Fidan added.

Syrians begin returning home

As the Syrian civil war enters a new phase following the fall of the Assad regime, many Syrians who sought refuge in Türkiye have begun returning to their homeland. On Monday, Syrians lined up at the Cilvegözü Border Gate in Hatay, a southeastern province of Türkiye, as part of the voluntary repatriation process.

To avoid overcrowding, gendarmerie teams set up a separate checkpoint 5 kilometers from the border, where returning Syrians were processed before being allowed to cross into Syria.

For many Syrians, this return marks the end of a long period of exile. Adem Muhammed Zin, a Syrian national returning to Damascus after ten years in Istanbul, expressed his joy: "Thank God, our way is open, Assad is gone, and the war is over. I’ve been in Istanbul for 10 years. May God bless the Turks, they helped us a lot."

Ali Hasiko, who had been waiting for 12 years to return to his hometown of Hama, thanked Türkiye for its hospitality: "I thank Türkiye for opening its doors to us." Similarly, Ibrahim al-Muta, who was travelling with his family to Hama after nearly 11 years in Türkiye, reflected: *"Thank God, the war is over. Türkiye is wonderful, but our homeland is Syria."

For Hana Hasiko, who travelled with her children and grandchildren, the return to Syria was an emotional moment. She stated: "Türkiye and Syria are like siblings. We thank you for everything; now we are going home."

The repatriation process continues, with many hopeful that Syria can be rebuilt and that its citizens can live in peace and safety once more.