Syrians in Turkey head home for Eid-al Adha for first time in 8 years

TAL ABYAD, Syria

Syrians in Turkey are returning home for the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha in Tal Abyad and Ras al-Ayn for the first time in eight years.

The cities were liberated from YPG/PKK terrorists as part of Turkey's Operation Peace Spring.

Around 12,000 Syrians are expected to cross the border through the Tal Abyad Border Gate opposite the Akcakale Customs Gate.

The crossing, which began July 7, will last until July 18.

“As of yesterday, we started to welcome our people who want to spend the Eid al-Adha in Syria,” said Fayez Kati, manager of the Tal Abyad Border Gate.

“The number of people who have entered so far has reached 1,000. We made a plan to welcome 1,000 visitors every day,” Kati told Anadolu Agency.

He said health measures were taken for the coronavirus at the gate and free buses are being provided to those who come to see relatives.

Syrians, who will spend the holiday in Tal Abyad and Ras al-Ayn, will be able to return to Turkey from July 26 to Dec. 31.

Sara Misto, 65, who has not seen Tal Abyad for about eight years, said she is happy to be reunited with loved ones in the village of Hirbit Riz.

Husain Yasin, who has not seen his family for a year and a half, said he made an appointment to visit the moment an appointment system was opened.

“I will meet my family and end the homesickness. I am very excited and happy. We pass through both Turkish and Syrian border gates without any problems,” said Yasin.

Muhammad Ahmad noted he has not been able to visit his hometown since 2012.

He said his daughter was born in the Akcakale district of Sanliurfa. "My daughter will visit her hometown for the first time. She will be reunited with her grandfather and grandmother,” said Ahmad.

He said his family will now be able to visit Tal Abyad for Eid al-Adha thanks to Operation Peace Spring launched by Turkey and the Syrian National Army to liberate it from the YPG/PKK terror group.

Ahmad expressed gratitude to the Turkish government and the Syrian National Army for providing the opportunity.