Return of refugees expected to accelerate: Turkish envoy in Syria

Türkiye’s charge d’affaires in Syria, Burhan Koroglu, has said that refugee returns are expected to accelerate after schools close in Türkiye, noting that over 180,000 Syrians have returned since the fall of Bashar al-Assad.

Speaking to a Turkish media outlet Türkiye daily during a visit to Qasioun Mountain overlooking Damascus, Koroglu stated, “Syria is regaining its lost state memory. Hopes have risen. The number of returnees since the revolution has surpassed 180,000. Once schools close, we expect returns to speed up. But many Syrians worry about adapting back to life there.”

Turkish envoy: Syria experiencing renewed stability

Türkiye’s charge d’affaires in Syria, Koroglu described visible changes in Damascus, pointing to renewed activity on Qasioun Mountain as symbolic of the shifting situation.

“There is a growing sense of stability. The government is re-engaging with the public, and economic activity is visibly increasing. The country is moving toward recovery,” he said.

Türkiye reopened its embassy in Damascus after years of diplomatic freeze, becoming the first nation to do so since the conflict began. Koroglu has served in Syria for over four months.

Educational challenges hinder family returns

Koroglu noted a key challenge for returning families: language and educational barriers, stating, “Many children, especially from low-income families, received education in Turkish public schools. They speak Turkish, not Arabic. Parents want to return, but children are disconnected from the language and curriculum here.”

To ease the transition, Koroglu said that proposals were made to local authorities to introduce Turkish language support alongside Arabic education.

Support needed for Syria’s reconstruction

While acknowledging progress, Koroglu emphasized the need for international backing by stating, “The resumption of Turkish Airlines flights gave momentum. Other countries have resumed flights, and international missions are returning. Hopes for the future are rising. But serious economic support is still lacking. Political steps have been taken, but economic recovery requires global commitment.”

He added that Türkiye continues to play a pivotal role in Syria’s recovery, as it did during the conflict. “Our support is visible to all. We are as active in this peace process as we were during the war.”