After over a year since Bashar al-Assad’s regime fell in Syria, ending a prolonged civil war that resulted in numerous casualties and immense destruction, more than 1.3 million Syrians have returned to their homeland. The returnees, including individuals from countries like Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and even Canada, saw this as an opportunity to revisit familiar places and assess the feasibility of settling back.
Among those who made the journey back were Muzna Dureid, 36, and Mustafa Alio, 42, who entered Syria from Jordan along with their young son in December 2024. Alio, originally from Latakia, had refrained from returning due to safety concerns after expressing support for early protests against the Assad regime. However, his recent return allowed him to visit his father’s grave and witness how little had changed in Latakia, despite years of war-induced neglect.
Similarly, Dureid, who had been part of the opposition movement, decided to visit her childhood neighborhood in southern Damascus, despite warnings from relatives about the extensive damage. Reflecting on the devastation, she found solace in identifying remnants of her past life in the rubble.
Another returnee, Gamal Mansour, 53, who left Syria years ago due to oppressive conditions, seized the opportunity to return post-Assad’s fall. His experience of witnessing the destruction juxtaposed with the newfound sense of freedom highlighted the challenges of rebuilding a shattered nation and reshaping political dynamics after years of autocratic rule.
Amrou Nayal, 39, who had been away from Syria for 16 years, noted the stark contrast in the country’s condition upon his return. Despite the visible scars of war and the loss of familiar landmarks, his hope for a brighter future for Syria remained unwavering.
While contemplating the decision to settle back in Syria or continue life abroad, many returnees grapple with the longing for a sense of belonging against the backdrop of a nation striving to recover from the ravages of war. Their stories reflect a mix of sorrow for the past losses and optimism for a new beginning in a country on the path to reconstruction.