The CEO of Islamic Relief Türkiye, Ali Demir, has called for a global collective effort to rebuild Syria after years of conflict, emphasizing that the country’s recovery cannot be achieved without international support. Speaking to Anadolu on New Year’s Eve, Demir stressed that Syria’s future depends on the world’s commitment to its reconstruction. He warned that without such support, many people in Syria, who dream of rebuilding their lives, will have little hope of doing so.
Having worked in Syria for over a decade, Demir highlighted the extensive damage caused by 14 years of war, crises, and centralized rule. He noted that Syria needs to rebuild almost every sector, with economic recovery being the top priority. “After years of war and displacement, economic recovery is vital to help people restart their lives and encourage refugees to return,” he said. Restoring critical infrastructure—such as water, electricity, factories, and agriculture—is essential for Syria’s revival.
Demir likened the destruction in cities like Aleppo, Homs, and Deir ez-Zor to the devastation caused by last year’s earthquake in Türkiye. He emphasized that rebuilding homes and shelters is a monumental task, and without it, millions of Syrians will remain displaced. He also called for the removal of sanctions on Syria, arguing that the country should be reintegrated into the global banking system to revive its economy.
Syria’s recovery will require billions of dollars, Demir added, and a significant focus should be placed on supporting project implementation in Syria. He suggested that Türkiye could play a vital role by facilitating processes and opening Turkish bank branches in Northern Syria to strengthen the local economy.
Islamic Relief Türkiye has been active in Syria for 13 years, spending around $350 million on emergency aid and development projects. Moving forward, the charity plans to focus on rehabilitation efforts in sectors like healthcare, education, infrastructure, and agriculture. They are also expanding their support for orphans and vulnerable communities in Syria, providing both material and psychological assistance.
As Syria enters a new phase, Demir called on the international community to unite for a future of progress and prosperity, urging nations to contribute to the country’s recovery.
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