Syrian artists in Türkiye: Navigating hope, hardship amid dream of return

On World Migrants Day, Türkiye remains one of the largest hosts of migrants globally, with nearly 3.9 million migrants and refugees, 90% of whom are Syrians. Among these are many Syrian artists who fled their homeland due to the ongoing conflict.

While some of these artists are filled with hope after the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime, others express the difficulties of returning to Syria.

Impact of war and rebuilding dreams

Syrian calligraphy artist Ahmad Aldulli, originally from the city of Deir ez-Zor, arrived in Türkiye in 2014 after losing his home and loved ones in the war. Reflecting on his experience, Aldulli shares, “Istanbul reminds me of Damascus, and I love this city. Even though I had the opportunity to go to Europe, I stayed here. In Türkiye, I found every opportunity to practice calligraphy and met great artists. But I’ve always felt like a guest in Istanbul.”

Aldulli expressed his happiness with the fall of the Assad regime but admitted that returning to Syria was not an option for him. “I no longer feel like my back is broken, as I did before, but it is very difficult to return. I don’t even have a home there anymore. Furthermore, we fear that Western countries could create new unrest,” he said.

From tourist plans to new life in Istanbul

Ahmed Raid, a painter from Aleppo who has lived in Türkiye for 11 years, had originally planned to visit Istanbul as a tourist before the outbreak of the Syrian war.

“I used to dream of visiting Topkapi Palace as a tourist. But with the war, I had no choice but to come here unexpectedly. Like many artists, I also work in graphic design to support myself. Being a migrant feels bad, but when a homeland honors you, that place becomes your homeland. I feel that way here.”

Raid spoke of his emotional reaction to the news of Assad’s regime being overthrown, saying, “We cried out of joy, but later, when we heard about the people released from regime prisons and the names of those who died, I felt ashamed of my joy. It was a bittersweet happiness.” He added,

“Although the fear in Syria has disappeared with Assad, returning immediately is not easy. We need some time, but if the conditions are right, I would love to rebuild my life in my village.”

Vision of artistic freedom in Syria

Mohammed Imad Mahhouk, a calligraphy artist who was forced to leave Aleppo in 2013 due to bombings, shared his journey of resilience. After settling in Gaziantep and later moving to Istanbul, Imad dedicated himself to his art despite the pain of his past. “Despite all the suffering, I always motivated myself to produce art and defied the circumstances,” he said.

Imad also expressed his feelings about Syria’s future, calling the fall of the Assad regime in Damascus a “victory from God.” He remarked, “We are deeply joyful that Syria has been restored to us, but mixed with joy, there is also anxiety, fear, and confusion.”

Imad emphasized the support Türkiye provided to Syrians since the beginning of the tragedy, saying it motivates him to visit Syria soon, contribute to reconstruction, and hold his first exhibition in Aleppo under the shadow of freedom. “I will donate my artwork on freedom to the Aleppo City Museum,” he added.

Plans for rebuilding country through art

Syrian sculptor Mustafa Teet, who has lived in Türkiye for some time, expressed his desire to contribute to Syria’s recovery.

“The Turkish government, just as it has helped us in our struggle to save our country, is now assisting with the return of our people. We will return, rebuild our homes, and work artistically and culturally to restore our country,” Teet stated.

These Syrian artists’ stories highlight the complex emotions of living in exile, balancing hope for their homeland’s future with the harsh reality of displacement.