My article published on Bianet English—a leading independent Turkish news outlet covering human rights, migration, and civil society—commemorating the anniversary of the fall of Bashar al-Assad. The story follows Yaman, a thirty-one-year-old from Aleppo, as he navigates displacement, identity, and the possibility of returning home to Syria after more than a decade away. After fleeing Syria in 2012, Yaman lived in Lebanon and Türkiye, overcoming educational setbacks, societal hostility, and the challenges of rebuilding a life. The article traces his journey from initial exile to establishing roots in Istanbul, his reflections on identity and belonging, and his cautious optimism upon returning to Syria in November 2025. Through Yaman’s experiences, the story explores the personal journey of refugees, the search for belonging, and the question of home for the six million Syrians displaced during the conflict.
