Syrian refugees celebrate Eid al-Adha in their homeland

After years of exile in Turkey, a new era has begun for Syrians. After the overthrow of the Assad dynasty, which had ruled the country for 61 years, dozens of Syrian refugees began returning to their homeland en masse on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.

The number of Syrians wishing to return to their homeland has increased sharply at the Onjupinar checkpoint in Turkey's Kilis province, bordering Syria. People are standing in long lines here, going through the procedures necessary to return to their homeland permanently. There are even traffic jams on some days due to these procedures.

Ahmed Ismail, 25, who fled Syria due to the war seven years ago and found refuge in Turkey, also says he is very happy to be returning to his homeland. "All these years, my thoughts and feelings have always been in my homeland. Now that peace has been established in my country, I am among those returning to my homeland. I would like to thank the Turkish people and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. I am happy to celebrate Eid with my family in my country,” said Ahmed.

Ekrem Ömer, 19, said he was very happy to have the opportunity to celebrate Eid al-Adha with his family in his country after several years of emigration in Turkey. According to him, “our duty now is to actively participate in maintaining peace in our country and restoring it.”

Zeid Eljubeidi, 23, who fled to Turkey due to the war in Syria and has been away from his family for the past four years, recalls with regret. “Although I have had the opportunity to live in peace and tranquility in Turkey, I have always dreamed of returning to my homeland. This Eid al-Adha is very precious to me because I will celebrate it in my country, in the arms of my family. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Turkish state and people for such days,” he said.

With the establishment of peace in Syria, the mass return of many Syrian refugees to their homeland is of great importance for the region. This will not only boost the reconstruction of Syria, but also create a basis for people to live a peaceful and happy life in their own countries, in the arms of their loved ones. At the same time, this process will further strengthen the bonds of friendship and humanity between the two peoples.

Photo: Anadolu Agency