While I have documented a couple of cases of Kurdish villages in the Afrin region where the original inhabitants are barred from returning because of on ongoing Turkish and/or Syrian military presence, it would be wrong to say that this situation is the norm in the Afrin region. There are other villages that tell a different story, as will be documented in this post. It is important as historians and observers that we report what we find- whether positive or negative- as part of commitment to the truth.
I am happy to report that the village of Kimar is a case where there was a Turkish military presence prior to the fall of the Assad regime but it has since been dismantled, and at least some of the original Kurdish inhabitants have returned. The existence of a Turkish military base in Kimar, which effectively constituted a line of contact between Turkey and Turkish-backed ‘Syrian National Army’ factions on one side and the Assad regime and a remnant SDF/YPG presence on the other, was reported on social media. For example, on 2 March 2024, the ‘Afrin Liberation Forces’- a group that likely had links to the SDF/YPG- claimed an attack against a ‘military base of the Turkish occupation in Kimar’ (see below).
In a visit to Kimar today, I was able to see large concrete walls that constitute remnants of the base. I also observed some of the local inhabitants who were clearly Kurds (most obviously, they spoke Kurdish). In addition, Kimar is notable for its Christian ruins that go back to the Byzantine period. There are two sets of ruins in the village: one in the north of the village and another in the south. I was able to capture photos of these ruins without an issue. Indeed, since I was the only visitor to these ruins, the experience was truly delightful- a treasure seemingly hidden from large tourist crowds. I do encourage people to visit Syria and try to see these ruins and others like them for themselves. They are truly magnificent.
This post is not of course intended to romanticise the services and humanitarian situation in the village. Nonetheless, it is positive to see that the village is not a military zone or serving as a frontline between opposing sides in the war. We can only similarly hope that in due course other Turkish military bases in north Aleppo countryside will be removed so people can return to their homes.
Published originally on May 25, 2026.
