State of the World from NPR Syrians in Turkey Decide Whether to Return Home
Jul 14, 2025
Millions of Syrians faced the tough decision of returning home after a decade of civil war. The podcast explores the nostalgia and emotional landscapes of those living in Turkey. Personal stories reveal the struggles between painful memories of the past and hopes for new beginnings. Many grapple with their children's integration into Turkish society while contemplating what awaits them in a changed Syria. It's a heartfelt journey through the complexities of homecoming.
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Adham's Last Keepsakes
- Adham al-Jamus keeps a plastic bag of old photos from Syria as a connection to his past life.
- He and his family fled Daraa 11 years ago, believing it was temporary, but have since lived in exile.
Return's Complex Reality
- The fall of Assad shifted Syrians' questions from if to when and how to return home.
- Despite regime change, infrastructure and basic services remain devastated and unreliable.
Home Is No Longer Home
- Al-Jamus reflects on the Syria he left behind, realizing no friends remain.
- He worries returning means confronting a homeland that feels alien and empty.