Syrian refugees who fled their war-torn homeland have found new lives in Albania, with many expressing a deep sense of relief after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024.
Syrians who sought shelter in Albania in the wake of the brutal 2011 civil war are now starting to rebuild, with thousands of families settled across the country. They hail Albania’s welcoming attitude and acknowledge Turkey’s early help in offering refuge.
Arfan Mtawa, 20, a student at the University of New York in Tirana, is one of those whose life was changed forever by the war. He arrived in Albania at just 7 years old, alongside his family, escaping violence in Syria. Now a dual citizen, Mtawa recalls how Albanian locals embraced them with open arms, making them feel at home.
“We were really happy when Assad’s regime fell. It’s a moment of joy for every Syrian who stood against the dictatorship,” Mtawa said. Despite his family’s relocation, they stay connected to relatives back home, hoping for peace so they can eventually return to visit or even resettle.
Many of the Syrians who fled across the Middle East, including Lebanon and Turkey, are thankful for the support they received in their time of need. “Turkey gave us so much support, from job opportunities to education, when we first arrived,” added Mtawa.
Other refugees, like 39-year-old Ali Mtawa, who now works as a restaurant manager in Tirana, also expressed their gratitude for Turkey’s early involvement in the crisis. He, too, holds hope that Syria’s future stability could allow him to return someday.
For Hamza Sammouneh, 20, a student of architecture, Albania represents a safe haven after years of turmoil. He, too, praised Turkey’s role in aiding Syrians but made it clear that Syrians desire a peaceful future in their homeland. “We all hope for a free Syria, and that’s why we fought against Assad. I miss Syria, and maybe one day, I’ll return if it’s safe,” Sammouneh said.
As the war in Syria edges toward its end, thousands of Syrians, like the Mtawas and Sammouneh, see Albania as both a new beginning and a place to start over. And with the latest statistics showing over 20,000 foreigners with residency permits in Albania, it’s clear that the country is a popular destination for those looking to rebuild their lives.
