after the earthquake in Turkey, Syrian refugees forced to return to Idlib

In Turkey, nearly two million Syrians live in the provinces affected by the earthquake. Exiles settled in the country for several years. Many have lost everything. So, some decide to return to their countries in the region of Idlib, the last enclave which still resists the regime of Bashar al Assad. An area also devastated by the earthquake.

>> Earthquake in Turkey: “We had rebuilt our lives here, and suddenly the whole city is devastated”, testifies a Syrian refugee

At the Bab al Hawa border post, entire families arrive crammed into collective taxis. “We just took clothes and food for my grandparents. That’s all we have!” says Rimas, 13. She grew up in Turkey. This young Syrian is preparing to return to her country for the first time, despite the war. There is no other choice, explains his mother. “Our landlord asked us to leave, to relocate his relatives who lost their house in the earthquake. We left our things. We hope to be able to come back one day.”

“I’m afraid to go back, but we have no other option. There is no more accommodation here! The earthquake destroyed almost everything in our town. This situation is really hard for everyone. “

A Syrian refugee

at franceinfo

“Finding some dignity”

The gendarmes try to organize the long queue. The Turkish authorities have authorized Syrians who benefit from temporary protection to exceptionally return to their countries for a maximum of six months. “I will see how it goes in Idlib, but if the situation allows it, I will stay, said Mahmoud, 21. “I have been living in Turkey for a year and a half and here our daily life is a bit difficult as Syrians. It’s hard to find work. So going back to Syria is perhaps better: at least we will regain a little dignity… And then, it’s our country”says the young man.

In Turkey, Fadi’s house was destroyed by the earthquake. On the other side of the border, his relatives also lost everything. “I am returning to mourn my loved ones who have died. There are about fifteen of them: children, women, men”, says Fadi. “After this disaster, we have to be with our families to support them.”

“We go from tragedy to tragedy. We fled the war. And now, this earthquake: death has become our daily life.”

Fadi, a Syrian refugee

at franceinfo

A few hours later, Fadi will return to his region of Idlib, devastated by the earthquake. And already ravaged by 11 years of war. A few days ago, Bashar al Assad’s regime targeted a village on the front line.