Millions of desperate refugees struggling in Turkey still pining to cross to Europe

Networks of smugglers poised to profit from frustrated migrants, finds Borzou Daragahi in Izmir

Syrian families wait at the Turkish Oncupinar border gate near Kilis, south-central Turkey (AFP/Getty)

Ten times the Syrian family of five tried to make it across the border to the west from Turkey. They tried via the land border to traverse the woods and make it into Bulgaria. They tried in flimsy rafts to reach Greece by sea.

Over five years residing in Turkey, they have paid thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of dollars, to smugglers, some of whom swindled them out of their money without helping them cross. Once they almost drowned at sea, another time they were held for days in a primitive holding cell with little food or running water.

Still Youssef, 55, his 43-year-old wife Suhaila, and their three children – Wael, 20, Gardinia, 18, and 14-year-old Clara – are determined to get to the west, whether legally or illegally.