Turkmen village takes brunt as Israeli strikes on Lebanon escalate

By Faruk Hanedar

BAALBEK, Lebanon (AA) - In the historic city of Baalbek, located approximately 67 kilometers (41.6 miles) northeast of Beirut, Lebanese Turkmen residents report living in constant fear of Israeli airstrikes, which have intensified since Sept. 23.

Duris village, which has a notable Turkmen population, has frequently been targeted by Israeli strikes, according to local residents and community leaders interviewed by Anadolu. The village is situated in an area predominantly controlled by Hezbollah, rendering it particularly susceptible to attacks in the ongoing conflict.

The experiences of the Gorli family highlight the growing humanitarian concerns in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley.

"We have learned what war truly means," stated Ahmed Mohammed Gorli, 88, a Turkmen elder whose family has endured multiple conflicts in the region.

Another family member Sade Gorli said they are living in fear due to the war and Israel's ongoing attacks on them.

Ali Gorli, head of the Bekaa Turkmen Association, indicated that their community faces increased risks due to their proximity to Shia areas. "The situation in Baalbek is dangerous because Turkmen live in villages alongside the Shia community," he remarked.

Recent remarks by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, offering refuge to Lebanese Turkmen, have struck a chord within the community.

"Many want to return to their ancestral homeland," Ali Gorli observed, noting numerous inquiries from community members about the possibility of relocating to Türkiye.

- Nearly 25,000 Turkmen in Lebanon

Kemal Maksud, president of the Lebanese Turkish Cultural Association, reported that around 20,000-25,000 Turkmen reside in Lebanon, primarily concentrated in northern regions and five settlements in the Bekaa Valley.

While communities in the north remain relatively secure, those in the Bekaa Valley experience frequent displacement due to ongoing strikes, according to Maksud.

"Particularly in Duris town, bombing has forced people to temporarily evacuate to safer areas," he explained, outlining a trend that has persisted for the past month.

Maksud warned that if the war continues and the situation deteriorates further, the residents may seek to relocate to Türkiye. He reiterated that Türkiye has consistently supported the Lebanese Turkmen and stands by the oppressed people globally.

*Writing by Yasin Gungor