“In Syria, I am envied. They say I live in Turkey and that I had luck others did not. I envied myself when I was stuck there. Istanbul was not so ugly yet.”
Western media and experts are touting the benefits of Syrian refugees on Turkey’s economy, Alsouria Net writes
Coalition leader calls for assistance in light of the destruction of essential infrastructure in Syria’s opposition-held areas, media office reports
Growing number of births more prevalent among refugees outside Turkish cities due to many social factors, including education, economy and religion, Sada al-Sham writes
Coalition members vote to elect prominent Syrian dissident and pro-reformist as leader of the Istanbul-based opposition bloc
Opposition outlet Alsouria Net reports on surprise decision from two major regime consulates in Jordan and Turkey to discontinue passport and travel document renewals for citizens following announcement on official websites
Coalition media office reports on paneled discussion in Istanbul covering ways to strengthen the health sector in opposition-held areas amid continued assaults on medical facilities by regime and allied forces
Turkish lawyers file lawsuits against a Syrian regime pilot captured in Turkey, on charges of committing crimes against Syrian civilians
Many of the displaced Syrians who have found their way into Turkey are struggling to find work, and when they do, they struggle with low wages and a constant risk of unemployment
Syrian businesses in Turkey flourish and start to compete with their Turkish counterparts, creating job opportunities and raising wages for thousands of families
During meeting with high-level Dutch delegation, Coalition president urges EU to take a more active role in the upcoming Geneva talks, opposition media office reports
“It’s different when I wear a Syrian hijab because the Turks believe that I won’t understand them and so they avoid me and don’t speak with me.” As debate continues in the West around the compatibility of the hijab with European values, Enab Baladi speaks to Syrian women in Turkey about their reasons for adopting the the Anatolian version of the head covering
Facing discrimination, uncertainty and a lack of work, some Syrian youths are preferring to remain behind instead of migrating from the shores of Turkey to Europe, while others are weighing the cost of returning to Syria altogether, Al Gherbal writes
Souriatna speaks to women who have been forced to remain inside Turkey indefinitely, often with children and without an income, while their applications for reunification with husbands and fiances are reviewed by European governments
Opposition president says Russia would be showing a sign of good faith if it agrees to enforce international resolutions and hold war criminals to account
Syria’s main political opposition warns against premature efforts to rebuild the country, stating that international agreements must be recognized before the process can begin
Loyalist Al-Watan newspaper writes that Erdogan’s mounting domestic and international problems will force the Turkish president to accept that the only way to restore his regional standing will be through rapprochement with Assad
How will the Syrian opposition go to Astana and what are the issues to watch out for? Political opposition and religious figures speak with Alsouria Net about what strategic changes must be made in order to emerge successful
Group claims responsibility for New Year’s attack that killed 39 people in Turkey’s largest city, describing the gunman as “a hero soldier of the caliphate”
Reporter for Syrian state media outlet SANA falls ill while being investigated by Turkish police after being charged with insulting state officials on social media
