Syrian Kurds begin returning home to Afrin after years in exile

Syrian Kurds who fled the northern region of Afrin years ago are beginning to return to their homes, in a process that is bringing both relief and uncertainty to families rebuilding their lives after prolonged displacement.

Afrin, once home to a significant Kurdish population, became a symbol of wartime displacement after residents were forced from the area amid conflict. Those now returning describe a range of experiences, from being welcomed back by neighbours and community members to encountering homes and neighbourhoods that have changed considerably during their absence.

For many families, the return marks the end of years spent in exile, often in difficult conditions in other parts of Syria or in neighbouring countries. Rebuilding damaged or long-abandoned homes, reconnecting with a transformed local economy, and re-establishing community ties are among the challenges facing returnees.

The uneven nature of the reception reflects the complexity of Afrin's recent history, where different communities have experienced displacement and return in different ways. Some returning families report finding support networks still in place, while others describe having to start almost entirely from scratch.

The gradual return of displaced residents to Afrin is part of a broader pattern across Syria, where years of conflict have uprooted millions of people. As some begin to go home, the pace and success of that return continues to depend heavily on local security conditions, the state of housing and infrastructure, and the willingness of different communities to coexist after years of upheaval.