Hope turns to regret among Syrians returning home from Turkey

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ISTANBUL/ALEPPO - Ahmed al-Sheikh's excitement at returning to his homeland from neighbouring Turkey after the fall of Bashar al-Assad has turned to bitter disappointment at the grim living conditions in Syria after some 13 years of war.

Sheikh is one of 35,000 Syrians who left Turkey for Syria full of hope in the first three weeks after Assad was toppled on Dec. 8, giving up the right to come back to Turkey after signing a voluntary return document.

Turkey's refugee association says many, like him, are now disillusioned by the reality of life in a war-ravaged country.

"I was shocked by the catastrophic situation, which was beyond my expectations," said Sheikh, 35, speaking in his home after returning to Aleppo, eight years after he fled to Turkey. He said that water and electricity are frequently cut off and internet communication is almost non-existent.

Migrant returns are a key element of burgeoning ties between Syria and NATO-member Turkey, which is emerging as a power broker able to wield influence economically and diplomatically. Syria's transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited Ankara on Tuesday, discussing an expected rapid expansion of economic ties.

The presence of nearly 3 million Syrians in Turkey has become a sensitive political issue. Many have faced bouts of anti-migrant sentiment that made them feel like unwanted guests, and some rushed to the border after rebels forced Assad out.

"Most of the refugees were initially excited about returning after the fall of the Assad regime, but this excitement faded over time," said Kadri Gungorur, social welfare director of the Refugees Association in Turkey, citing complaints such as the lack of education and health services.

"Some families feel regret and want to return," he said. "When they compare the living conditions in Turkey with Syria, we can accept that Turkey offers them more opportunities."

BID TO SUPPORT VOLUNTARY RETURNS

Sheikh was among those enthused by the rebels' victory, dreaming of rebuilding his bombed Aleppo home. He vowed to go back as soon as Assad fell, despite friends' efforts to dissuade him. Now he is dismayed by the comparatively poor living conditions and scarcity of job and education opportunities.

"I started thinking about returning to Turkey because my life was stable there, and my children were in school. My living conditions were stable," he said. "But I can't go back now because I signed a voluntary return document."

Due to such negative experiences, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya anno...

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