KILIS, Türkiye

Syrian children born in Turkey, who have never seen their home country, are visiting Syria for the first time after the fall of the 61-year-old Ba’ath regime.

Syrians who sought refuge in Türkiye during the 13-year civil war continue to return to their country after the collapse of the Assad regime.

Families arriving at the Kilis Oncupinar customs gate in southern Turkey’s Kilis province cross the border into Syria after completing formalities at the repatriation center under the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.

A family’s journey

Mahmod Hamido, who found refuge in Türkiye 11 years ago with his wife Sibel, first settled in Istanbul before settling in the central province of Kayseri.

The couple worked in various jobs and raised five children, all born in Türkiye. For the Hamido children, this is their first visit to Syria.

Mahmod Hamido told Anadolu that he had just gotten married when the Syrian civil war broke out. He and his wife fled to Turkey in search of safety.

Expressing his gratitude to Turkey, Hamido said he loves this country.

He added that he and his family were heading to Aleppo, saying they were happy to return to our homeland.

“We will not forget Turkey; he welcomed us

Valid El Seyhi, who arrived in southern Turkey’s Gaziantep province with his family 12 years ago, echoed the same sentiments of appreciation for Türkiye while expressing excitement about returning to Syria.

“We will not forget Turkey; he welcomed us,” El Seyhi said, highlighting the country’s role in keeping his family safe during the conflict.

“My children have never seen their homeland. This is the first time they have left Turkey,” he added.

El Seyhi expressed hope for the future, saying: “There will be new life in Syria. It all starts again for us.

Written by Serdar Dincel

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