Over half a million Syrians leave Turkey as many plan returns

Syrians weigh return home

More than half a million Syrians have left Turkey since the ouster of Bashar al‑Assad in December 2024, part of a broader movement from a community that once peaked at about 3.5 million. Many people in border cities such as Gaziantep express eagerness to go back — young men like Ahmed and older returnees such as Mahmud Sattouf speak of saving, rebuilding and the emotional pull of home — while others, including professionals and aid workers, say they will remain because of security, services and family needs.

Decisions are shaped by both pull and push factors: widespread destruction and insecurity in parts of Syria, uncertainty over governance, and practical obstacles such as occupied homes and weak public services make return risky for some. At the same time Syrians in Turkey face limits under temporary protection, restricted mobility, fewer work opportunities, cuts to free medical care and signals from authorities and parts of society that the welcome is waning. President Erdoğan insists no one will be forced out, but refugee advocates warn that regulatory changes and election politics could increase pressure on Syrians to leave. as reported by BBC