Thursday, October 29, 2026, marks the 103rd anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey (Cumhuriyet Bayramı). This historic national occasion laid the foundation for a modern, constitutional, and civil order—emerging from the ruins of a complex historical era—and set our neighboring republic on a path of political, economic, and civilizational development.
On this significant occasion, the Syrian Future Movement extends its congratulations to the friendly Turkish people. We emphasize the profound political and humanitarian values inherent in the republican concept; at its core, a republic represents a triumph for the values of citizenship, the rule of law, the functioning of state institutions, and the peaceful transition of power—the very same values that the Syrian people aspire to establish in their own homeland, following their liberation from decades of tyranny and individualistic rule.
The strategic vision of the Syrian Future Movement is rooted in four pillars—civil, political, humanitarian, and civilizational—which guide how we assess and shape the relationship between Syria and Turkey. The civil and political dimensions necessitate the building of robust diplomatic ties between two states governed by institutions, characterized by mutual respect for sovereignty and shared interests. Meanwhile, the humanitarian and civilizational dimensions reflect the depth of fraternal bonds, social interconnections, and a common cultural heritage shared by both peoples over the centuries.
Geography and contemporary political developments have forged an unprecedented, intertwined destiny between the two nations. Updated statistical data for 2026 indicate that the Republic of Turkey hosts the largest number of Syrian refugees globally—approximately 3.1 million people. Thousands of them contribute to Turkey’s production, trade, and industrial sectors. This is coupled with a vital security and economic interdependence in northwestern Syria, a region linked to Turkey both geographically and in terms of essential services. Consequently, the stability and development of Syria’s immediate neighborhood constitute a direct national interest for Syria; likewise, a stable democratic transition in Syria serves as the only genuine guarantee for Turkey’s national security.
Acting upon our national responsibility as a civil political movement—born from the heart of the great Syrian Revolution—and with a view toward shaping the future of regional relations during the transitional phase, the Syrian Future Movement (SFM) puts forward the following visionary recommendations:
- We call upon political and intellectual elites in both countries to initiate sustainable Syrian-Turkish dialogue processes, aimed at addressing shared concerns and building political and security understandings rooted in the principles of geographical proximity and full sovereignty.
- We advocate for the strengthening of economic and investment partnerships between the Syrian and Turkish business sectors, as well as the support and professional development of Syrian talent in Turkey, to foster mutual economic advancement and lay the groundwork for future reconstruction efforts.
- We propose the establishment of robust legal and rights-based frameworks to ensure the protection of Syrian refugees and safeguard their interests in Turkey. This includes formalizing the legal status of their presence in a manner that prevents this humanitarian issue from being exploited in domestic political debates.
- The formation of joint cultural and academic committees dedicated to preserving the shared cultural and civilizational heritage, and to promoting the values of coexistence and social solidarity between the two friendly peoples, in order to combat racist and hateful discourse.
- We urge the influential forces in the Republic of Turkey to continue supporting the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people for comprehensive political change and a democratic transition—the only sustainable path to ending the humanitarian crisis and achieving long-term regional stability.
The Syrian Future Movement believes in the necessity of strengthening Syrian-Turkish relations; it supports and encourages the consolidation and long-term sustainability of these ties for the mutual benefit of both nations. Furthermore, it extends its congratulations to the friendly Turkish people on the occasion of Republic Day, wishing Turkey well-being, growth, and prosperity.
