Tens of thousands of Syrians who fled to Turkey are returning home temporarily to Syria to celebrate Eid al-Adha, AFP reported Monday (August 28th).

Almost three million Syrians have taken refuge in Turkey since the Syrian war broke out in 2011.

But relative stability has descended on some areas in north-west Syria.

The authorities in Turkey's southern province of Kilis bordering Syria have put in place a special system whereby Syrians can go home for Eid al-Adha and return to Turkey afterwards.

After uploading details on a special Internet site and registering, they can leave Turkey through the Oncupinar border gate until Wednesday, and must return by October 15th.

A local Turkish official said 40,360 Syrians had crossed over so far, with around 4,000 people now crossing every day.

The crossings have been allowed since August 15th, according to the Kilis governorate.

The Syrians were returning to towns including al-Bab and Jarablus, cleared of "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria" elements in Operation Euphrates Shield.

Turkey allowed Syrians to return home temporarily earlier this year for Eid al-Fitr.