Integration of Syrian Refugees in Turkey: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

This article examines the processes of refugee integration in Turkey and aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the challenges and opportunities to a holistic refugee integration scheme in Turkey. It also tries to put forward policy recommendations for better harmonization of Syrians in Turkish communities. The data presented in this article consists of 50 (25 female, 25 male) semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted with Syrian refugees in Istanbul. The questions were asked to Syrian refugees include what integration means to them, their experience in the process of access to rights, particularly in work and education. In line with a comprehensive literature review and a qualitative research, this article aims to fill the gaps in the literature on refugee integration in Turkey and offers policy recommendations. In this article, the effects of Turkey's immigration policy on the integration processes of Syrian refugees are examined in line with the research findings and policy recommendations are presented in order for Turkey to have a holistic integration policy. It is argued that rights-based approach is needed for a successful integration processes Syrian refugees. Findings suggest that Syrian refugees experience difficulties in accessing the fundamental rights. 

Keywords

• Refugee Integration,Turkey,Syrian Refugees,International Standards

Türkiye'de Suriyeli Mülteci Entegrasyonu: Zorlukları ve Olanakları

Abstract

Bu makale, Türkiye'deki mülteci entegrasyon süreçlerini incelemekte ve Türkiye'deki bütüncül bir mülteci entegrasyon projesine yönelik zorlukların ve olanakların kapsamlı bir değerlendirmesini yapmayı amaçlamaktadır. Ayrıca, Suriyeli mültecilerin entegrasyonu için politika önerileri ortaya koymaya çalışmaktadır. Bu makalede, Suriyeli mültecilerin entegrasyon süreçlerinin başarılı olması için hak temelli politikalara ihtiyaç olduğu savunulmaktadır. Literatür taraması ve İstanbul’da bulunan 50 Suriyeli mülteci (25 kadın, 25 erkek) ile yüz yüze yapılan derinlemesine görüşmelere dayanan bu çalışma kapsamında İstanbul’da görüşülen Suriyeli mültecilere entegrasyonun onlar için ne ifade ettiği çalışma ve eğitim başta olmak üzere haklara erişim sürecindeki deneyimleri gibi konularda sorular sorulmuştur. Bu çalışma, Türkiye'de mülteci entegrasyonu alanına katkı sağlamayı, bu alandaki boşluğunu doldurmayı hedeflemiştir. Bu makalede, Türkiye'nin göç politikalarının Suriyeli mültecilerin entegrasyon süreçlerine etkisi, saha çalışması sonucunda elde edilen bulgular kapsamında incelemekte ve Türkiye'nin bütüncül bir mülteci entegrasyon politikasına sahip olması için öneriler sunmaktadır. Araştırma bulguları, Türkiye’deki Suriyeli mültecilerin temel haklara erişimde önemli zorluklar yaşadıklarını göstermiştir.

Keywords

• Mülteci Entegrasyonu,Türkiye,Suriyeli Mülteciler,Uluslararası Standartlar

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