Syrians born in Türkiye to refugee parents visit homeland for first time

By Mehmet Akif Parlak

KILIS, Türkiye (AA) – Syrian children born in Türkiye, who have never seen their homeland, are traveling to Syria for the first time following the fall of the 61-year Baath regime.

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

Families arriving at the Kilis Oncupinar Customs Gate in Türkiye’s southern Kilis province are crossing into Syria after completing formalities at the Repatriation Center under the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.

- A family’s journey

Mahmod Hamido, who sought refuge in Türkiye 11 years ago with his wife Sibel, initially settled in Istanbul before moving to the central Kayseri province.

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

Mahmod Hamido told Anadolu that he was newly married when the Syrian civil war broke out. He and his wife fled to Türkiye, seeking safety.

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

He added that he and his family are heading to Aleppo, saying that we are happy to reunite with our homeland.

- ‘We will not forget Türkiye; it welcomed us’

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

“We will not forget Türkiye; it welcomed us,” El Seyhi said, emphasizing the country's role in providing safety for his family during the conflict.

“My children have never seen their homeland. This is their first time leaving Türkiye,” he added.

El Seyhi expressed hope for the future, saying, “There will be a new life in Syria. Everything is starting anew for us.”

Writing by Serdar Dincel