The Syrian Turkmens have historically settled in a vast geography extending from Aleppo to the Golan Heights within the current borders of Syria. They have inhabited these lands and can be found in almost every region of Syria, especially in Latakia, Damascus, the Golan Heights, Aleppo, Hama, Homs, and Raqqa. This historical background makes the Turkmens Syrians, just like all the other ethnic groups living in Syria.

In this context, the Syrian Turkmens actively participated in protests against the Ba'ath regime from the early days of the nationwide demonstrations that began in 2011. As a result, the Turkmens became an important element in the social opposition in Syria. After 61 years of Ba'ath rule, peaceful protests in Syria quickly turned into an armed revolution, which culminated in the collapse of the Ba'ath regime on December 8, 2024. The groups formed by the Syrian Turkmens were among the revolutionaries who contributed to the fall of the former regime and played a significant role in it. However, the post-Ba'ath reconstruction of Syria raises controversial issues related to the constitutional rights of the Turkmens and the recognition of these rights.

In 2016, Turkey launched Operation Euphrates Shield to remove the PKK-affiliated wing, namely the People's Defense Units (YPG), which Turkey considers a terrorist organization, from the border region in Syria. Through this operation, the opposition, including the Turkmens, was able to strengthen a unified area. This is because the Euphrates Shield area is one of the regions where the Syrian Turkmens live in large numbers. The operation launched by Turkey in the region led to the unification of the Turkmens, who had not previously achieved political unity. Thus, this unification can be considered one of the important factors that paved the way for the Turkmen political landscape post-Ba'ath.

Constitutional Rights The Syrian revolution not only weakened the previous regime's power but also harmed the social system due to migration and displacement. The reconstruction of Syria, known for its ethnic diversity and the functions of its governmental institutions, depends on the creation of a new constitution. The future vision of Syria under this new constitution will be of great importance in the coming days. Furthermore, the key question remains how to define the ethnic and religious groups living in Syria, what rights will be granted to them, and on what basis these fundamental rights will be built.

In this context, it can be said that it is necessary to include representatives from the ethnic and religious groups in the committee responsible for writing the new constitution. It is important that the Turkmens, who are a key element in Syria and in the Syrian revolution that overthrew the previous regime, also have representatives in this committee. In the new constitution, it is crucial to guarantee education in the mother tongue, national identity, and Turkmen culture, as well as political representation for the Turkmens within the system, through constitutional guarantees.

It is noteworthy that Ahmad al-Shara, the de facto leader of Syria at the moment, who led the campaign to overthrow the Ba'ath regime and later took over the country's administration, did not choose a Turkmen figure for the transitional government he formed. If the Turkmens are not included in the committee writing the new constitution in the next phase, their rights may not be preserved, and their existence in Syria could be threatened. In such a case, it would be appropriate for the political and non-governmental organizations of the Syrian Turkmens, established during the period of opposition, to exert pressure to participate in the interim government. In this context, Turkey, which supports the Turkmens, can play a constructive role in protecting their rights.

Syrian National Army During visits by Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) Chief, Ibrahim Kalin, and later Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to Syria, discussions were held regarding steps to integrate armed groups into the Syrian Ministry of Defense in meetings with al-Shara. Subsequently, on December 24, 2024, al-Shara held a meeting with representatives of armed groups close to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which fought against the Ba'ath regime. The meeting officially announced the necessity of dissolving the armed groups and integrating them under the umbrella of the Syrian National Army, which would be established.

However, the fate of the Syrian National Army (SNA), which includes Turkmen groups and is supported by Turkey, remains uncertain. If Turkmen groups, like other armed groups, dissolve and join the new Syrian Ministry of Defense, it may be possible for them to hold significant positions in the army with Turkish support.

It remains unclear what kind of political system the new Syrian state will adopt. It is possible that Syria will transition to a multi-party democratic system after the fall of the dictatorial regime. In this case, the Turkmens can unify their community and create an active Turkmen presence in the new political movement before the elections.

Previously, the Turkmens in Syria lived scattered across different regions of the country, which placed them in a vulnerable position regarding political representation. Their scattered distribution across Syria may also hinder their success in parliamentary elections within the new Syrian system. Turkmen opinion leaders need to assess this situation and focus on ensuring their representation in parliament. This goal may be achieved with the return of Turkmens who were forced to migrate to Turkey in previous years. Therefore, the support of Syria's neighbors, especially Turkey, and the international community will be a decisive factor in facilitating their return to Syria.

Under the Ba'ath regime, a policy of Arabization was implemented from 1963 until the loss of power. All ethnic groups, including the Turkmens, were forced to learn Arabic. For the Turkmens, the way to adapt to educational institutions, public positions, and life in general was to speak Arabic. This situation also negatively affected their cultural and historical identity. In the process of rebuilding Turkmen identity and culture in the new Syria, non-governmental organizations and Turkmen political parties can support the Turkmen tribes, who were assimilated under the Ba'ath regime, in adopting their own identity.

Conclusion The Syrian Turkmens were deprived of political and social rights, like other ethnic and religious groups in Syria, during the reign of the previous regime, particularly during the years of the Syrian revolution, when Turkmen areas were heavily bombarded, and the population was forced to migrate. Turkey provided support to the Syrian Turkmens due to the historical and cultural ties between the two sides, establishing mechanisms for humanitarian aid and political support. The fact that the Turkmens were forced to leave their areas due to attacks by the former Ba'ath regime makes their future in the new Syria uncertain. Specifically, issues such as the recognition of Turkmen rights and political representation in the constitution remain controversial. The future position of the Turkmens will depend on the stance of international actors and local forces in the reconstruction process of Syria. In this process, it is crucial for the Turkmens to defend their rights and secure the support of the international community.