Muhammed Faris: The First Syrian to visit Space is now a Refugee in Turkey

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31 May 2016, 8:16 am

The fighting that erupted in Syriya in the year 2011 led many homeless and most than 2 millions have made Turkey their new home. But, Muhammed Faris, who was a national hero back then in Syria is now tagged as a refugee in Turkey.

Muhammed Faris worked in the Syrian Air Force as a colonel. He participated in the Interkosmos program and was selected to be a part of the Navigation team for his space shuttle to the Space Station in July 1987. Faris was also awarded the most coveted titles of 'Hero of the Soviet Union' and 'Order of Linen' for his stellar performance in his capacity as an astronaut.

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Today, Muhammed Faris has fled Syria and survives as a refugee in Turkey.

Faris is one of these 2 million refugees. Although he lives a much more comfortable life compared to the other, less fortunate refugees, he says he hopes to return to his home country one day.

MiG-23 of the Syrian Air Force on air base Hama. Image source: sputniknews.com

In the two years that he spent in Russia to train for his missions, Faris developed a deep liking towards Russians. However, he blames Vladimir Putin for the destruction of children's homes and inhuman slaughter of civilians.

According to Faris, Bashar Assed, the Syrian dictator, was inspired by Putin when he responded to a peaceful uprising in Syria with violent force, turning the whole ordeal into a civil war.

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Today, Muhammed Faris lectures in schools and conferences while his son runs a language school. Every time he interacts with the students, Faris always recounts that moment when he first saw the Earth from space. And for that reason, he urges his students to fight against wars and tyrants to save the blue Planet.

-by Saurabh Bodas

Saurabh is pursuing his engineering and is an intern at NewsGram.

Twitter: @saurabhbodas96

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