Mustafa’s Journey Home: A Syrian Refugee’s Hopeful Return

Ten years- that’s how long Mustafa has lived in Türkiye, a country that hosts one of the largest refugee populations in the world. Fleeing the war in Syria, he sought safety along with his family. Now, as a 27-year-old father, he finds himself on the brink of another journey—not away from war this time, but back to the life he had left behind. 

Mustafa was born in 1998 in Syria. When the war forced his family to leave, they first came to Mersin, Türkiye, where they stayed for eight months before returning to Syria and settling in Al-Bab. However, as the conflict escalated, the family had no choice but to flee again, this time to the province of Ankara. Mustafa has built his life here, yet he has faced many struggles, and the longing for home has never left his side.

“I am very excited to be reunited with my children and wife.”

 

Now, he is preparing to go back. His wife and two children, a six-year-old and a two-year-old, are already in Al-Bab, where Mustafa plans to return. When his wife became pregnant with their second child, they made the difficult decision for her to return to Syria to give birth and live with their children at her parents' home. This decision left him separated from his family. Although Mustafa speaks to them on the phone daily, the physical distance takes a toll on him. “I am very excited to be reunited with my children and wife,” he says, his voice filled with anticipation.

However, making the decision to return is not easy. Mustafa has worked in the furniture sector in Türkiye, but finding a stable job has always been challenging. Before his move to Türkiye, he was a computer repairman in Syria, yet he couldn’t find work in his field when he arrived. Though he dreams of fixing computers again, he knows there are more pressing needs in Syria that need to be fixed before he may return to that profession, such as repairing the damaged infrastructure in the country.

Despite his worries, Mustafa is determined. “What influences my decision to return is both the economy and the future of my children. I want to return to Syria for these reasons,” he says. There are many challenges: Syria is still recovering, and financial struggles make the return difficult. Organizations such as UNHCR’s partner SGDD-ASAM have provided him with counselling regarding his decision to return, but Mustafa has financial concerns that he hopes the international community and humanitarian organizations can help address.

He acknowledges that while he will return, this decision is not so simple for others. “Everyone has a different situation. Recently, security incidents have also increased in Syria,” he says. Mustafa emphasized the importance of financial support in improving the conditions inside Syria and supporting the return of refugees so that it’s long lasting and they are not forced to move again. His parents will remain in Ankara for six more months while Mustafa begins to establish a life in Al-Bab.

“My only hope is that all of Syria will be one, united, in peace and security.”

 

His dreams for the future are simple but hold significant weight. “I am hopeful about the future for Syria and the future of my children. My only hope is that all of Syria will be one, united, in peace and security.”

Mustafa’s story is one of resilience and hope. He is not just returning to Syria—he is returning to rebuild, to reunite, and to start anew. As Syrians return home, the challenges are immense. To make returns sustainable, safe, and dignified, a comprehensive approach is needed, including investing in jobs, restoring health care, rebuilding schools, and re-establishing essential services like electricity and clean water, and removing sanctions on the country.