Several Turkish civil society organizations have unveiled a comprehensive report outlining a strategic vision for Syria’s reconstruction, future prospects, and pathways to recovery. The report, titled “Syria: Prospects, Proposals, and Solutions,” was presented at an event organized by the Cihannuma Association in cooperation with the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) and the Digital Memory Association.
The event was held at Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakif university in Istanbul and attended by Istanbul Governor Davut Gul, alongside academics, researchers, and representatives of civil society organizations. The program also featured the screening of a documentary film on Syria produced by IHH.
A Multidisciplinary Vision for Syria’s Future
Prepared by a team of 98 researchers and academics, the report adopts a tripartite methodology for rebuilding Syria based on three core pillars: Persuasion, Construction, and Revitalization. It presents a range of future scenarios for Syria and offers practical proposals and solutions across the short, medium, and long term. The study also calls for concrete steps to establish sustainable cooperation between Turkey and Syria.
The report was published in Turkish, English, and Arabic, reflecting its intended regional and international reach. It draws on 65 source texts spanning 15 academic and professional disciplines, including history, sociology, philosophy, law, politics and international relations, education, media and communication, culture and arts, urban planning and architecture, health, economics, humanitarian and development aid, science, technology and engineering, and civil society studies.
Field-Based Research and Practical Insights
Beyond theoretical analysis, the report incorporates direct field research conducted inside Syrian territories. Two specialized committees, each comprising between 10 and 15 members, carried out on-the-ground visits to observe realities firsthand and verify information. This fieldwork added a practical dimension to the study, grounding its recommendations in lived realities and local needs.
In his remarks at the event, Istanbul Governor Gul stated Turkey, under the leadership of President Erdogan, “stood on the right side of history” by supporting the Syrian people throughout their struggle. He highlighted the importance of the Digital Memory Association’s efforts to document recent events in Syria, noting that such documentation is essential for learning from past injustices and preventing their repetition elsewhere.
“Every piece of information preserved in this digital archive will endure,” Gul said. “Centuries from now, people in both Syria and Turkey will say that the Turks and Muslims sought to prevent injustice, took a principled stand, and pursued this cause despite all difficulties.”
Reconstruction Beyond Humanitarian Aid
Selim Cerrah, President of the Cihannuma Association, explained the report was the result of four months of intensive work focused on Syria. He expressed appreciation for the contributions of IHH and the Digital Memory Association in bringing the project to completion.
Nevzat Simsek, President of Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakif university, emphasized the vision presented in the report could help mobilize Turkey’s domestic and regional expertise in Syria’s reconstruction and recovery. He added that the analyses clearly demonstrate that the Syrian issue “cannot be addressed solely from a humanitarian aid perspective,” but requires a comprehensive approach encompassing development, governance, culture, and long-term sustainability.
The report ultimately positions reconstruction as a multidimensional process, one moving beyond emergency relief toward rebuilding institutions, restoring social cohesion, and laying the foundations for lasting stability in Syria.
