Residents of Dardara gradually return to their village despite massive destruction

Although the village lies only about 300 meters from one of the largest Turkish military bases in the region, located in al-Manakh village, residents of al-Dardara continue to return to their land and damaged homes, working to restore life to the area after years of displacement and relocation between villages and camps. They stress that their attachment to their land is stronger than any hardship and that returning is not merely about finding shelter again, but about preserving their identity, protecting their land, and rejecting permanent displacement.

Today, the village bears the heavy scars of destruction caused by repeated shelling and attacks over recent years. Destroyed homes and damaged infrastructure are visible throughout the area, while residents strive to rebuild their lives amid severe humanitarian and service-related challenges.

In this context, resident Noura al-Sheikh Mohammad, standing among the ruins of her destroyed home, said: “We spent nearly seven years displaced, moving between villages and camps and enduring extremely difficult conditions. In the end, we returned to our village because this is our land and these are our homes. Even if they are destroyed, we will never abandon them.”

She added: “We remain committed to our land and homes until our last breath, despite our extremely difficult situation, the destruction of infrastructure, and the absence of electricity, water, and basic services.”

She noted that many houses were either completely or partially destroyed, while some families are living in heavily damaged homes after carrying out limited repairs using their own modest resources, in the absence of support from international and local organizations.

For her part, resident Fasla Saud al-Darwish explained that the years of displacement were harsh for the villagers, with some families moving between more than 14 villages and camps before eventually returning to al-Dardara due to difficult living conditions.

“We returned to our village despite the destruction because we have nowhere else to go,” she said. “Life in displacement shelters is extremely difficult, and no one can abandon their land.”

Meanwhile, resident Aisha al-Faris pointed out that the damage extended beyond homes to include property and sources of livelihood. Shops, warehouses, and tools that residents relied on for their income were destroyed, further worsening the daily hardships faced by returning families.

Al-Dardara remains one of the most prominent examples of the suffering endured by civilians living in areas along the front lines facing the Turkish occupation and its affiliated armed factions. Residents continue to live amid the consequences of destruction, fear, and the shortage of essential services, while steadfastly holding on to their land and insisting on staying despite all challenges and hardships.

ANHA