Turkish embassy in Damascus reopens after 12 years
On Saturday, Türkiye raised its flag at its embassy in Damascus, Syria, marking the resumption of diplomatic activities after a hiatus of 12 years.
The embassy halted operations in 2012 due to escalating tensions and the ongoing conflict in Syria. The flag-raising ceremony follows significant developments in Syria, particularly the fall of the Baath regime in early December 2024.
Why it matters?
This marks a major shift in Türkiye’s diplomatic relations with Syria, as Türkiye now officially re-engages after years of limited interaction. The embassy’s reopening signals a new chapter in Türkiye-Syria relations, which had been severed amid the Syrian civil war.
Türkiye’s decision to resume diplomatic operations could have broader regional implications, particularly regarding Türkiye’s stance on Syria’s political future and its involvement in the ongoing reconstruction and stabilization efforts.
Context
- Fall of Baath regime: On Dec. 8, opposition forces took control of Syria’s capital, Damascus, after a fierce battle with Bashar al-Assad’s forces. This led to the collapse of the 61-year-old Baathist regime, a pivotal moment in Syria’s ongoing conflict.
- Türkiye’s previous withdrawal: In response to the violent crackdown on peaceful protests by the Assad regime, Türkiye suspended embassy activities in 2012. During that time, diplomatic staff and their families were recalled to Türkiye.
- New diplomatic appointments: On Thursday, Burhan Koroglu, Türkiye’s ambassador to Nouakchott, was appointed as the acting chargé d’affaires at the newly reopened embassy. Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan officially appointed Koroglu to his new role.
Ongoing developments
The reopening of the Turkish embassy is a significant step toward restoring diplomatic ties and increasing Türkiye’s involvement in Syria’s post-conflict recovery and political reconciliation. This move comes as Syria begins to emerge from over a decade of conflict and foreign intervention
