A Homecoming: Yaman’s Journey of Belonging Between İstanbul and Aleppo

Yaman, a 31-year-old Syrian, recounts his poignant and tumultuous journey from Aleppo to various countries, including Lebanon and Turkey, following the onset of war. Having experienced the fallout of conflict firsthand, he reflects on his longing for home amid shifting political landscapes. After years of displacement and uncertainty, Yaman returned to his native Syria, inspired by optimism stemming from regime change and democratic reforms.

The Collapse of Childhood Innocence

Born and raised in Aleppo, Yaman recalls a vibrant childhood marked by a rich tapestry of cultures. He describes his neighborhood as a “melting pot” of Christians, Muslims, Kurds, Arabs, and Armenians coexisting harmoniously. However, the onset of the Syrian Civil War in 2011 abruptly changed the course of his life. As protests erupted in his hometown demanding change, Yaman felt compelled to participate, carrying flowers as expressions of peace. Tragically, the protests met with violence; government forces opened fire, leading to chaotic scenes.

Yaman’s father, Imad, experienced war in both Syria and Lebanon years earlier and quickly recognized the burgeoning danger. Within two days of the protests, the family hastily packed their belongings and fled to Beirut, understanding that Yaman, now eighteen, faced the risk of conscription at military checkpoints. Despite the peril, Yaman described his feelings not as fear but anxiety, overwhelmed by the abrupt loss of everything familiar to him: friends, home, and his entire past. “My world was collapsing so quickly, and I wasn’t ready,” he reminisces.

A New Beginning Amidst Adversity

Life in Beirut proved to be a complex emotional landscape for Yaman. Initially engulfed by feelings of despair and anger, he reluctantly ventured out the next day to search for employment. “I wanted to stay active,” he shared, highlighting his determination to reshape his life in an uncertain environment. His fluency in English and some French facilitated his initial communication and opened doors for possibilities. However, his struggle persisted as he navigated his educational journey.

Yaman re-enrolled in high school, determined to complete his education despite the war’s interruptions that had prevented him from taking final exams in Syria. He excelled academically and earned a scholarship to a university, only to face backlash from some peers who questioned his right to succeed in Lebanon. This hostility culminated in a physical assault, painting a grim picture of the social dynamics surrounding Syrian refugees. “Some Lebanese were warm and welcoming; others were openly hostile,” he recalls, further underscoring the complexities of his existence in a foreign land.

Establishing a New Identity

In July 2013, with encouragement from relatives in Turkey, Yaman’s family relocated to Mersin, a city on Turkey’s southern coast. They hoped to pursue Turkish citizenship through ancestral ties, allowing them to establish a more stable life. However, upon his return to high school in Turkey, Yaman faced yet another setback when he discovered that the English-speaking university he enrolled in was a fraudulent institution. This disheartening revelation left him contemplating a perilous migration toward Europe, as many of his friends had done before him.

“Over forty of my friends went,” he reminisced, explaining the risky journeys some undertook. Yet, his sense of caution prevailed. “I wanted to do things properly, legally,” he emphasized. Yaman’s perseverance paid off when he finally moved to Istanbul, where he began to feel the foundations of a more permanent life materialize amidst the city’s bustling environment.

The Journey Back Home

Yaman’s life took an unexpected turn as his aspirations in Istanbul were rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic. Several clients disappeared overnight, along with a much-anticipated scholarship. The disruptions prompted him to reflect on his educational goals once again, contemplating a return to school, perhaps in Germany. However, the political landscape in Syria began shifting as the regime faced challenges that forced Yaman to reconsider his future. Rumors of a new democratic government sparked hope and curiosity within him.

In November 2025, after thirteen years of exile, Yaman made the courageous decision to return to Syria. His experience began with a flight to Gaziantep, followed by a taxi ride to the border—a journey filled with trepidation. The question loomed: what awaited him upon his return? His anxieties dissipated, however, as he found an unexpectedly warm welcome from immigration officials who treated him as family. The stark contrast to his previous experiences during the conflict revealed a new era of possibilities.

A Renewed Sense of Belonging

While the initial moments of homecoming were filled with joy, the stark realities of Syria’s condition soon became evident. Yaman witnessed the empty streets and extensive destruction that bore testament to years of war. Yet, amid this devastation, he found solace in the familiar neighborhoods and markets of his childhood. More shocking was the newfound freedom of expression among locals, openly discussing politics in public—a stark contrast to the silence that had historically cloaked Syrian society.

During his short visit, Yaman found himself encapsulated in a country brimming with cautious optimism. Even though many challenges remained—like electricity shortages and bureaucratic complexities—he sensed a palpable hope among the people. “Life is not yet fully rebuilt, but the sense of hope was palpable,” Yaman noted. The visit helped him dissolve old bitterness around lost opportunities, and for the first time, he began to envision a future where he could contribute meaningfully to his homeland.

His heart now beckoned him back to Syria, and he expressed his desires to explore opportunities within the diplomatic sector, hoping to leverage his linguistic skills. Although struggles for identity lingered between his experiences in Aleppo and Istanbul, he expressed with a hopeful spirit, “The future of Syria is amazing, and I want to be a part of it.” With millions of Syrians having fled during the war, curiosity arises: what will their futures hold?

Summary

Yaman’s journey epitomizes the complex struggles faced by Syrian refugees, showcasing the emotional toll of displacement and the hope for a future revitalized by political change. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience found amidst chaos and uncertainty. As he continues to navigate his identity between two worlds, the notion of home takes on new meaning, prompting essential questions about belonging and community amid ongoing conflicts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What motivated Yaman to return to Syria after years of exile?

Yaman was motivated by a newly instilled hope for Syria following regime changes and the emergence of a democratic government, coupled with his longing for home after years in foreign countries.

Question: How did Yaman’s experience differ between Lebanon and Turkey as a refugee?

In Lebanon, Yaman faced resentment and hostility, particularly from those supportive of Assad, while in Turkey, despite initial struggles, he gradually began to establish a more permanent life where he felt the potential for growth.

Question: What challenges did Yaman encounter upon returning to his home country?

Yaman witnessed significant destruction and changes stemming from the war, but he also found a sense of hope among the people, revealing a landscape filled with both challenges and opportunities for renewal.

©2025 News Journos. All rights reserved.

In a significant move for educational collaboration, Turkish officials announced the establishment of a Turkey-Syria University during a recent visit to Syria. The initiative, spearheaded by Erol Özvar, the head of Turkey’s higher education council, aims to facilitate the reintegration of Syrian students returning from Turkey. The proposed university is expected to contribute to the region’s educational framework and bolster higher education standards in both Turkey and Syria.

The Ambitious Turkey-Syria University Project

The initiative to establish a new university in Syria represents a collaborative effort between Turkey and Syria, highlighting the commitment of Turkish officials to share their higher education expertise with neighboring countries. On a recent visit to Syria, Erol Özvar and several university rectors engaged with Syria’s Minister of Higher Education and various university administrators. The goal of the project is to create a formal educational institution in either Damascus or Aleppo, places considered pivotal for educational development in the region.

This move is not solely about establishing a university; it is a part of broader efforts to foster stronger ties between the two countries and provide enhanced educational opportunities to Syrian students who have sought refuge in Turkey. The project signifies a shift towards rebuilding educational infrastructures that have suffered in the wake of political unrest and conflict. The immediate aim is to implement the project without delay, signaling a sense of urgency in rekindling academic exchanges and collaborations.

Significance of the Educational Reintegration

A crucial aspect of the Turkey-Syria University project is the educational reintegration of Syrian students returning from Turkey. Erol Özvar emphasized that this initiative is not merely a response to current educational needs but a proactive step towards ensuring that these students can continue their education effectively. By creating pathways for these students to access higher education within Syria, the project aims to rejuvenate the country’s academic landscape and provide viable options for those affected by the ongoing crisis.

The collaborative protocols set to be established include measures for recognizing qualifications and educational standards. This is pivotal for ensuring that returning students can seamlessly fit back into the academic system. Such arrangements also operate on the premise of cooperation between Turkish and Syrian educational institutions, promoting mutual benefit and growth.

Enhancing Healthcare Education in Turkey

During the inauguration of new operating facilities at Ege University, Erol Özvar articulated Turkey’s strengths in healthcare education and infrastructure. His remarks underscored a compelling narrative—”Turkey is an exemplary country in healthcare.” He noted that the demand for healthcare professionals is increasing significantly, driven by both an aging population and rising healthcare needs. With greater emphasis on medical training, Turkey aims to expand its role and contributions to not only meet national demands but also to aid other nations through educational partnerships.

The partnership between Turkey and Syria, as articulated by Özvar, extends beyond immediate educational frameworks; it is also focused on elevating healthcare education standards throughout the region. This proposal is part of a broader vision to ensure that students are well-equipped to tackle future healthcare challenges.

New Operating Facilities at Ege University

The recently inaugurated Central Operating Rooms Building at Ege University marks a pivotal advancement in Turkey’s healthcare system. Prof. Dr. Necdet Budak, Ege University Rector, shared that the new facility prioritizes medical safety and patient comfort, contributing significantly to effective healthcare delivery. The center is designed to handle surgeries for up to 70 patients simultaneously, reflecting both ambition and capability in Turkey’s healthcare provision.

The ceremony included the unveiling of a monument commemorating the university’s 70th anniversary, indicating not only a celebration of past achievements but also a commitment to future advancements. Certificates for academic promotions were also distributed, symbolizing the continuous endeavor for excellence within the educational sector.

Vision for Global University Rankings

In terms of future aspirations, Erol Özvar laid out a strategic plan to enhance the global ranking of Turkish universities. By 2028, the goal is to position at least two universities among the top 200 globally, ten in the top 500, and fifty in the top 1,000. This ambitious target underscores the dedication of Turkish higher education authorities to elevate their institutions on an international scale.

This plan will involve fostering sustainability, promoting scientific publications, extending social responsibility, and enhancing research projects across universities. The integration of innovative educational practices and collaborations is a priority, further reinforcing Turkey’s commitment to transforming its educational landscape.

Summary

The initiative to establish a Turkey-Syria University symbolizes a pivotal step in educational collaboration between Turkey and Syria, aiming to restore Syria’s academic infrastructure while facilitating the reintegration of returning students. Coupled with advancements in healthcare education, such developments signify not just institutional growth but also a concerted effort to improve regional stability and educational quality. The ambitious goals laid out by Turkish officials underscore a forward-thinking vision for the future of higher education, essentially reinforcing Turkey’s reputation as a leader in this regard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What are the main goals of the Turkey-Syria University project?

The primary goals include enhancing educational opportunities for returning Syrian students, fostering academic collaboration between Turkish and Syrian institutions, and rebuilding educational infrastructure affected by conflict.

Question: Why is healthcare education emphasized in this initiative?

Healthcare education is emphasized due to the increasing demand for healthcare professionals, driven by demographic changes and rising healthcare needs in the region.

Question: What are Turkey’s goals regarding global university rankings?

Turkey aims to rank at least two universities in the top 200 globally, ten in the top 500, and fifty in the top 1,000 by 2028, showcasing a commitment to enhancing the quality of education and research.

©2025 News Journos. All rights reserved.