New Media Presence in the Integration Process of Refugees in Istanbul*
Öz
With the advancement of new media applications and creative technologies aiming to help integration process of refugees in their newfound asylums, this article focuses on
exploring the existing communicational habits of refugees in new media, and the possibilities that new media offer to ease their integration with the Turkish society in Istanbul. The study analyzes results drawn from in-depth interviews conducted with a varied group of refugees living in Istanbul, examining their interaction with new media concerning key aspects that aid their integration with the local community. Such aspects revolve around matters of personal rights, education, cultural identity, employment, and finding acceptance. Moreover, considering the technological potential offered by new media, this research contemplates the level of connection between the refugees and their home countries. The
research presents a qualitative study of 8 refugees from Syria, Iran, and Afghanistan that are currently living in Istanbul. Apart from the interview with 8 refugees, within the scope
of the study, Aline Joubert, the media relations coordinator of “Small Projects Istanbul” which is a non-governmental organization working for the benefit of refugees, was also
interviewed. The purpose of the study is to investigate the communicational habits and the ways for new media usage of refugees throughout the process of integrating with the local
society
Anahtar Kelimeler
Kaynakça
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