Displaced Syrians in Idlib spend Ramadan in camps amid rising struggles

IDLIB / ISTANBUL

Hundreds of thousands of families living in tent camps in Idlib, northwestern Syria, are spending this Ramadan away from home, unprepared and struggling, following the fall of the Baath regime.

Throughout Syria's 14-year civil war, bombings by the overthrown Assad regime and its supporters displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians, leaving many without homes and basic resources.

Nearly two million displaced Syrians living in the Atmeh refugee camps near the Syria-Türkiye border are unable to return home due to mine-laden fields, destroyed villages, daily struggles to secure food, and high reconstruction costs preventing them from rebuilding their homes.

According to Syria Intervention Coordination, around 120,000 civilians have left the tent camps and returned to various provinces in Syria over the past three months.

According to Syria Intervention Coordination, around 120,000 civilians have left the tent camps and returned to various provinces in Syria over the past three months.

Abdulhamid Muhammed, displaced from Abu Zuhur in Idlib in 2019, stated that despite the fall of the Assad regime, he still cannot return to his village. He said that many living in the tent camps are unable to afford basic Ramadan necessities due to rising costs and ongoing hardships.

Running through most of March, Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims marked by daylight fasting, introspection, a sense of community and helping those less fortunate.

Menar Yusuf, who was displaced from Kefrenbil, Idlib after her home was destroyed in 2019 by regime attacks, said that if they were to return, they would have to bring their tents with them. She hopes that during this holy month, generous people will offer support.

Fatma Ahras, another camp resident hoping to spend Ramadan with dignity, also noted that they could barely afford bread and called on charities and aid organizations to provide essential food and supplies.