The sharp smell of dry soil mixed with rain and cold air dominates the atmosphere in the refugee camp in Tabqa Canton. Although the voices of children running between torn tents and piles of tin can be heard, their laughter is dull, overshadowed by the harsh conditions. The fatigue of the long journey is clearly visible on the faces of the families from Afrin. The old tents were repaired with whatever means available, but they are barely able to withstand the wind and heavy rain. Although some families try to reinforce their tents with plastic and ropes, these are only temporary solutions. Due to insufficient resources, many people live in constant anxiety about the possibility of their tents collapsing or filling with rainwater. The lack of camp infrastructure also makes life difficult. The irregular placement of tents prevents the clear organization of walking paths, common areas, or water and food storage points. In some areas, accumulated garbage and sewage water flowing in streams make hygiene difficult and pose serious health risks, especially for children. The scale of the needs renders the Autonomous Administration’s efforts to provide support with its limited resources insufficient.
The struggle for life in the shadow of solidarity
Despite all the harsh conditions, what stands out most in the camp is people’s efforts to support each other. Families share food, water, and whatever resources they have, striving to create a safe living space for their children, however small, under difficult circumstances. Women organize the corners of the tents and set up communal kitchen areas, while men work to reinforce the tents with simple materials.
‘We have not lost hope, we want an honorable return’
Fewzi Mustafa, a camp resident, describes the burden of having to migrate twice: “We resisted in Shehba for eight years. We stood firm despite the cold, the siege, and the daily attacks by the occupying Turkish army. When we arrived in Tabqa, we felt like we were starting all over again. Our suffering is not over. The people of Afrin do not deserve this; we are a people who resisted in our own city for 58 days and stayed in Shehba for eight years. We never lost hope, we never gave up our right to return to our land. But today they are telling us to ‘return to Afrin’. How can we return? Our city is still under occupation, controlled by armed mercenaries. Every few days we hear news of new massacres. How can we return in such a situation? We will not accept living under threat. In such an environment, return is impossible. Return is only meaningful if it is safe and dignified; it can only happen if we return under the protection of Asayish (Internal Security Forces). Afrin is not just a place; it is our land, our value that was forcibly taken from us. Despite all the difficulties here, we are trying to protect, educate, and feed our children. We will never give in; we will not give up our land or our honor.”
Nejah İbo, who lives in the same camp, also emphasizes the demand for a safe return, saying: “Our will is stronger than our misery. Return is only possible with the Asayish. Afrin is our city, and a dignified return is only possible when the safety of civilians is guaranteed.”
Naziha Ehmed also emphasized their determination in the struggle, saying, “Our resistance in Shehba was a real struggle against the occupation and the Turkish state’s mercenaries. The only reason we are here is to defend our right to return. We will not give up. Every step we take every day is proof that we are still standing. Afrin is ours.”
Demand for a safe and dignified return
The common message from civilians in the camp is clear: return to Afrin is only possible when safe conditions are ensured. The people demand a return process where armed militia groups have withdrawn, security is provided by the Asayish forces, and the dignity of civilians is protected.