Prior to 2010, the Afrin region of Syria experienced significant depopulation due to systemic policies enacted by the Syrian state. These policies included political repression, such as denying rights to Kurdish citizens and suppressing their cultural identity. Discriminatory land policies, like the "Arab Belt" initiative and Decree 49, also undermined Kurdish land ownership. Furthermore, socio-economic neglect and environmental stressors like drought contributed to the difficult conditions. The state's violent response to the 2004 Qamishli uprising exacerbated the climate of fear, pushing many Kurds to leave the region.
Note: This was made with AI research and AI audio output, and does not conform to academic standards. However, sources are confirmed as genuine.
This page was created on: April 23, 2025 and last updated: