Kemal Öztürk, the first journalist from Turkey to meet with Ebu Muhammed el-Colani, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), in northern Syria, shared his impressions. Öztürk’s comments reveal Colani’s changing image and perceptions in the region.
“A More Political Figure Than I Expected”
Reflecting on his observations of Colani, Öztürk emphasized that the HTS leader presented a different profile than he anticipated: “For many years, there has been a perception in Turkey that HTS and its leaders are considered a terrorist organization associated with a culture of conflict. However, I found a leader who can think politically and is pragmatic.” Colani’s choice to wear a suit also caught attention as part of this new image: “He wore a suit but did not wear a tie. I believe this was the first image of him in a suit, which spread through the photo taken during my interview.”
“Not a Guerrilla, But a Politically Minded Leader”
According to Öztürk, Colani is transitioning from being seen as a militant or guerrilla figure to becoming a leader who can grasp the political dynamics of the region: “He is a leader who can read the world. He can foresee the direction things are going. While it’s still early to say if he will become a world leader, especially when you look at the ten-day period following the revolution, his statements and actions on the ground are very logical. These are practices that influence the sociology of the people.”
Öztürk also highlighted Colani’s messages to the public, noting their impact on regional perceptions: “He made statements like, ‘We will not harm anyone’s life or property. We will not interfere with people’s livelihoods; we will live together.’ These messages were very effective because there was a significant fear regarding HTS’s future and the potential for violence. However, these declarations have reassured people.”
“A Transformation Designed by State Logic”
Öztürk pointed out that Colani’s statements and actions might be influenced by a form of “state logic”: “Such statements could be designed by a state mentality. The practices on the ground align with these statements.”
An Image Beyond Turkish Perceptions
Öztürk’s observations open a discussion about the transformation of HTS’s leader’s image and current perceptions in the region. In contrast to the long-standing “conflictual” and “terrorist” image of the leader in Turkey, Colani’s efforts to become a political actor are noteworthy.
Turkey’s Operation in Syria: İbrahim Kalın and the New Message
Turkey has made one of its most strategic moves in Syria. The visit of MIT President İbrahim Kalın to Damascus and his trip to the Umayyad Mosque served as a significant symbol of Turkey’s influence in the Syrian arena. “This was done so the world could see it,” said one journalist observing developments in the region. “Turkey sent an operational message: I am not just in Azaz or Jarabulus; I am in the heart of Damascus, and beside me is the potential leader of the new Syria.”
Kalın’s presence in the streets of Damascus and his appearance at Kasyon Hill delivered a powerful geopolitical message: “This operation was a display of strength against other states attempting to influence Syria. It was a highly planned and calculated move.”
Diplomatic and Operational Moves
Turkey’s move did not remain solely on the ground; it also had diplomatic repercussions the following day. Turkey was among the first countries to lower its flag in front of its embassy in Damascus. This development strengthens the notion that “this may go down as one of Turkey’s most successful foreign operations in recent years.”
One journalist observed: “The operations in Azerbaijan, Libya, and Karabakh were certainly significant successes. But from now on, Turkey’s most important foreign operation will be associated with Syria. The reconstruction and revitalization of Syria are being discussed, and Turkey will play a key role here.”
Turkey-Syria Geopolitics: “By Necessity, Turkey”
Geopolitical challenges with Syria’s neighbors— Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, and Israel—have made Turkey an indispensable partner for Syria. “Relations are limited in Iraq due to Shia governance and Iranian influence. Lebanon and Jordan are weak, and any partnership with Israel is impossible. Relations with the U.S. are also cold. Therefore, Syria has no option other than Turkey.”
Turkey’s deep influence during this process can also be interpreted through the transformation of HTS.
HTS Transformation: “From Municipal Governance to State Logic”
The events in Idlib following the fall of Aleppo allowed HTS to gain administrative experience. “Idlib, bombarded by the regime and Russia, essentially became their training and practice ground. They engaged in municipal governance, built roads, established health systems, and gained governance experience.”
The journalist added: “When I entered Syria in 2013, they would shoot anyone smoking. Now HTS militants are smoking. This ironic change aligns with Colani’s statements: there is no revenge, beliefs will not be interfered with, and Kurds are fundamental components of Syria.”
Turkey’s Role: “Quiet and Deep Influence”
Turkey played a critical role in this transformation. “HTS’s shift away from ideological rhetoric to a pragmatic structure has been realized through Turkey’s quiet and deep influence,” journalists state. The transformation experienced by the Syrian people is also noteworthy: “The revolution that began in 2011 has brought significant suffering and displacement over the past 12-13 years. However, today we see celebrations in the streets of Syria. Whether these wounds can heal and how this process will continue remains to be seen.”
Conclusion: Turkey’s Future in Syria
By achieving both operational and diplomatic success in Syria, Turkey is opening the door to a new era. The position Turkey will take in the reconstruction of Syria could change the regional balance in the long term. “Turkey is asserting its presence not just along the border but in the heart of Damascus. This is not just an operation; it is a strong vision for the future of Syria.”
Challenges in Syria’s Recovery
The recovery of Syria will be difficult. Demographic changes, internal and external migrations are significant issues. Six million people have migrated abroad, and another six million have been internally displaced. Cities like Aleppo and Damascus have seen a rapid return to normalcy, but this will take considerable time.
The Destructive Effects of the Regime and War
After 61 years of Baath rule and 14 years of civil war, cities like Aleppo and Damascus have quickly returned to normal. However, this normalization, while symbolic, indicates the widespread fatigue and suffering experienced by the populace.
Public Discontent with the Regime
The Syrian people are weary of the regime’s oppression and climate of fear. They desire change with the belief that the old order cannot be worse than the current situation. Social and political fears, economic hardships, and torture in prisons have caused immense suffering among the people.
Drug Trade and Corruption in Syria
The Assad family holds unchecked power, able to seize what they want by force. Illegal activities, such as drug production and kidnappings, are prominent parts of this system. People, including businessmen, face state confiscation and threats of death.
