In Türkiye, a country which currently hosts over 2.7 million Syrian refugees, one family reflects on their journey and the difficult choice between rebuilding their lives abroad or returning home.
The Turkish city of Gaziantep - its people, its buildings and even its pistachio trees - all resemble the Syrian city of Aleppo. That's according to Huseyin Hendawi, a Syrian refugee who fled to Türkiye in 2013.
As the war dragged on, the family began building a new life in Gaziantep.
Huseyin Hendawi grew his business and his family. Two of his four children were born in Türkiye.
For the Hendawis, the southeastern city of Gaziantep soon became more than just a refuge -- it became home.
During a recent visit to Syria, Huseyin Hendawi returned to what was once his home, which was completely destroyed.
"Complete (destruction). It wasn't just my house. The whole neighborhood was destroyed," said Huseyin Hendawi.
"I found an old photo of myself. These are my old books. (This is my card from) university, Aleppo university," he said while showing videos filmed during the trip.
Since the ousting of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, many Syrians living in Türkiye face a difficult decision - whether to return home or remain here. While many long to go back, the situation on the ground has left them torn.
One of the biggest challenges to returning is access to basic services, like shelter, electricity and water.
"Out of 24 hours, there was only 2 hours of electricity. The other 22 hours, nothing. As for water -- it comes daily, but sometimes it's there, sometimes not. And even when it comes, it's only for about 1.5 hours a day," said Huseyin Hendawi.
Lama Hendawi is the eldest child in the family. Now a university student in Gaziantep, she is studying to become an English teacher, and hopes to one day return and serve her country.
"I want to be useful there. Syria needs a few more teachers, and I want to be one of them. I want to help them," said Lama Hendawi.
For now, the family's connection to Syria is through loved ones still there. When Internet and electricity allow, they gather for video calls.
"We - me and other Syrians - didn't come here for fun. We came out of necessity. Because of war. Whenever those reasons disappear, this whole issue will be over," said Huseyin Hendawi.
With new leadership in place, families like the Hendawis say they would consider returning, but many believe it could take years for Syria to recover enough to offer a secure, livable future.
Syrian refugees struggle to return home
