Little Omer returns to Syria, a country he’s never seen, with 'heavy burden'

By Lale Koklu Karagoz

HATAY, Türkiye (AA) - Six-year-old Omer Talha, who was rescued alongside his father from the rubble five days after the devastating Feb. 6, 2023 earthquake in the southeastern province of Türkiye, Hatay, returned to Syria, a country he has never seen.

During the crossing, Omer carried the prosthetic leg that replaced the one his father lost in the disaster.

The return of Syrians to their homeland continues through Hatay's Cilvegozu Border Gate, as people affected by the civil war following the fall of the 61-year Baath regime in Syria seek to rebuild their lives.

Omer’s life was upended when the earthquake destroyed their home in Hatay, claiming the lives of his mother, younger sibling, grandfather, and grandmother.

He and his father, Muhammed Talha, were pulled from the rubble together after five days. Now, they have decided to return to Syria.

During customs procedures, Omer stayed close to his father, never leaving his side.

As they crossed the border, the boy carried the prosthetic leg, which was nearly as tall as him, and accompanied his father into Syria.

In their hometown of Hama, Omer will meet his aunt, who awaits them.

- 'Leaving our Turkish neighbors was heartbreaking'

Muhammed Talha, walking with crutches, told Anadolu that he arrived in Türkiye 11 years ago with his wife. Now, he is returning without her, one of his children, and one of his legs.

Despite the pain of loss, Talha expressed joy at returning to his homeland, shedding tears as he shared his gratitude: "I want to thank the Turkish people who treated us with such kindness. I am especially grateful to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his care and support. We never faced harm in Türkiye, and leaving our Turkish neighbors was heartbreaking for both sides."

Talha added that his wife and son are buried in Antakya, and he hopes to return to Türkiye occasionally to visit their graves.

Determined to rebuild his life, Talha said: "My son has lost his mother, brother, grandmother, and grandfather. Together, we will create a new life. My sister is waiting for us and will help care for my son."

*Writing by Gizem Nisa Cebi