Syrians flock home from Turkey for Eid despite danger
Syrian refugees living in Turkey are returning home by the thousands for Eid al-Adha, and the border crossing facilities are working overtime to facilitate the process.
ALEPPO, Syria — Syrian refugees living in Turkey have been entering Idlib, in northern Syria, for the Eid al-Adha holiday. The administration of the Bab al-Hawa border crossing started to allow people in through on Aug. 6 and will continue to do so through Aug. 19.
Within the first two days, 5,000 people had crossed. On Aug. 9, their number reached 8,000. The crossing administration expects the number of people crossing into Syria to spend the holiday to reach 40,000.
The crossing administration announced that Syrians who wish to pass through must register and book their date on the crossing’s website, provided that they meet certain conditions.
In a live Facebook video on July 28, two days before registration opened, Capt. Qassem al-Qasem, the head of the immigration and passports department at the crossing, explained the process and the conditions for crossing into Syria for the holiday.
