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.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) The Collapse of Childhood Innocence |
| 2) A New Beginning Amidst Adversity |
| 3) Establishing a New Identity |
| 4) The Journey Back Home |
| 5) A Renewed Sense of Belonging |
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?
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | Yaman recalls a culturally rich upbringing in Aleppo before the war drastically altered his life. |
| 2 | The family’s rapid escape from Syria highlights the precarious conditions faced by many during the civil conflict. |
| 3 | Yaman’s struggles in Lebanon and Turkey portray the complex realities of refugees in foreign lands. |
| 4 | His journey back to Syria symbolizes a glimmer of hope and potential for a brighter future. |
| 5 | The experiences of many refugees like Yaman reflect broader themes of identity, belonging, and resilience. |
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.
