Around 400,000 Syrians in Iraq are waiting eagerly for the chance to return to their homeland, either overland or by plane, once the borders have been opened.
Until now, Iraqi authorities have not made official statements regarding procedures to allow the return of Syrians to Syria.
However, an Iraqi official told °®Âþµº's Arabic-language sister edition Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, that "the issue will be included in the upcoming coordination with the administrators of the new Syria."
It is anticipated that at least 60 percent of Syrians currently in Iraq will choose to return within the first six months of the airspace or borders between the two countries being reopened.
"This event has renewed our hope that we will be able to return to our homeland soon," said Yousef Abu Nader, a Syrian refugee in Iraq who works in a household goods store in Baghdad.
The fall of the Assad regime on 8 December has seen Syrians in Iraq celebrating over the days since, with spontaneous festivities in many areas where there is a high concentration of Syrians, especially in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, where most of them reside.
However, in some areas celebrations marking Assad's fall have been limited to family members and acquaintances, due to fears of a reaction from Iran-affiliated armed factions, some of which warned against the organising of celebrations on their media platforms and outlets.
"I'm over the moon," said Abu Nader, "but had to limit my celebrations to distributing sweets to acquaintances and work colleagues because the militias and factions will punish those who celebrate Assad's fall, because they see this as supporting terrorists."
However, the Kurdistan Region, which hosts the majority of Syrians in Iraq, witnessed street parties in recent days, with many Iraqis also joining in.
Syrians have also distributed sweets and food to neighbours and passersby and have expressed their appreciation to the Iraqi people for their warmth and generosity during the past 14 years, since the Syrian war broke out in 2011.
Ashraf Hassan, who has worked at a restaurant in Baghdad for nine years, said: "I've learned how to cook Iraqi dishes that will be at the top of the menu in the restaurant I plan to open when I return to Damascus".
He said he has been "waiting many years for the day the Assad regime falls," and his joy is "indescribable".
Hassan has celebrated with his colleagues at work, "who have always supported me since I arrived in Iraq".
He added: "Iraqis have been more to me than just colleagues; I felt they were part of my family. These moments reaffirm to me that goodness exists even in the darkest days".
He says his return to Syria with his family is now close and he feels optimistic and about returning to take part in rebuilding his shattered homeland.
"I will leave Iraq with gratitude for everything its people have given me, and I eagerly await the day I can welcome my Iraqi friends as honoured guests in Syria, and repay their kindness."
To celebrate, many women baked traditional Syrian sweets such as maamoul, baklava, and barazek.
Ruqaya Al-Tahan, 61, who lives with her family in Baghdad, said: "I made various kinds of Syrian sweets, especially the ones with cheese, which my Iraqi neighbours prefer, as they aren't well-known in Iraq".
She says she only distributed them among acquaintances "to avoid problems with armed groups."
She believes that the story of Syrians in Iraq isn't just about displacement and hardship but also about human solidarity and the relationships that develop in difficult circumstances.
As Syrians prepare themselves to return to their country, they retain beautiful memories and deep friendships with Iraqis who spared no effort to extend their support and assistance.
Fadel Al-Jizani, an Iraqi teacher from Baghdad, said: "As Syrians begin to return to their homeland, the hope everyone shares is that the future will be filled with joy and achievements."
He emphasised that Syrians had left a positive impression during the years they lived in Iraq, and will be missed.
"It pains me greatly to think that my neighbour, Hajj Asim and his family, will go back to Syria - but at the same time, I feel immense joy knowing they will live happily in their homeland among their people."
This is an from our Arabic edition.