Turkey has reopened its embassy in Damascus, the Syrian capital, ending a 12-year closure that began during the early years of Syria’s civil war, Turkish media reported on Saturday.
The move marks a significant shift in Ankara’s approach to the war-torn country.
The embassy, which suspended operations in 2012 amid escalating violence, resumed its functions under Burhan Koroglu, Turkey’s ambassador to Mauritania, who has been appointed as the acting chargé d’affaires. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan formally assigned Koroglu to the post on Thursday.
Located near Rawda Square, an area housing numerous diplomatic missions, the Turkish Embassy remained active for a brief period after the Syrian government’s violent crackdown on peaceful protests in 2011. However, operations were halted on March 26, 2012, as the conflict intensified. Embassy staff and their families returned to Turkey following the suspension of activities.
The reopening comes in the wake of a dramatic shift in Syria’s political landscape. Earlier this month, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who had ruled the country for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia after militants seized control of Damascus on December 8. Despite the upheaval, the Syrian Consulate General in Istanbul has continued to operate without interruption, according to Turkish media.
