Perceptions of Syrians in Turkey.

• Author: Erdogan, M. Murat
• Position: COMMENTARY - Report

Introduction

Following the harsh crackdown on demonstrations against the Assad regime, which began on March 15, 2011, Syria has fallen into a civil war. As a consequence, there has been a tremendous and dramatic flow of refugees into neighboring countries. Over 4 million Syrians have had to flee the country, which has had a population of 22.4 million; The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) defined the event as "the biggest migration flow in late history." (1)

Turkey with its 911 km shared border with Syria has become one of the largest host nations for displaced Syrians. The first inflow of Syrian refugees to Turkey consisted of only 252 people on April 29, 2011. However, by March 2015, almost in 4 years the number of migrants reached 1,858,000. The Turkish government stated, "The borders are open for the guests who flee from war and torture." Syrians have been provided with "temporary protection" from the start of the conflict and despite of all internal pressure, social anxiety, security concerns and the financial burden, the government continued its policy. By January 2015, although the official numbers point out 1,8 million of Syrians, the estimated number is over 2 million of Syrians. Furthermore, as UNHCR warns, arrival of newcomers in massive numbers should be expected. (2)

The crisis affects Turkish society socially, politically, economically and psychologically, and especially security concerns prevail. Turkey's "open door" policy, which was implemented in accordance with international law, has resulted in a serious risk regarding the level and duration of the residence of Syrians. Although this has tested Turkish society, the process has been quite successful. C.Batchelor, the representative of the UNHCR in Turkey, states that "it is a great tribute to the humanitarian spirit, not only of the Turkish government but of the Turkish people" (3) However, the protests and even attacks on Syrians in 2014 demonstrate that social toleration and acceptance cannot be sustained by itself. Thus, the sustainability of acceptance is dependent on the improvement of delicate migration management with the support of Turkish society. The crisis should be evaluated not by its financial burden but by its social effects. The possibility that some proportion of the 1.8 million Syrians in Turkey will become permanent will also be a driving force for policies. One of the most important issues concerning Syrians in Turkey is "social acceptance and integration." (4)

Findings of the Survey (5)

The field research of "Syrians in Turkey: Social Acceptance and Integration" was conducted by HUGO during February-April 2014 in three border cities (Gaziantep, Hatay, Kilis) and three non-border cities (Istanbul, Izmir, Mersin). 144 in-depths interviews (72 with Syrians and 72 with local people) were conducted in non-camp settings. For a better understanding of the issue, analyses of national and local media and NGOs were also conducted. During the research on the refugees' living conditions, relations with Turkish society, future expectations of Syrians and the level of "social acceptance" in Turkey was examined.

The existence of 87 percent of Syrians outside the camps has led to the inevitable interaction with Turkish society and brought some anxiety. This not only gave rise to high levels of social, economical and political interactions but also reached what K. Kirisci describes as "the limits of hospitality."

Opinions, Feelings and Expectations of Syrians in Turkey (6)

The most remarkable findings from the interviews conducted with noncamp Syrians in Turkey are that Syrians feel safe in Turkey after the pressure and attacks in Syria and are thankful to the Turkish state and society. They also appreciate that Turkish society has shown them hospitality and helped them in this difficult situation, and emphasize that they are not discriminated. On the other hand, they feel restless, hopeless and have concerns regarding the future of their children, which they call the "lost generation." The most common answer to the question of "which statement makes you feel uncomfortable?" is seen as "guests," which is perceived as drawing limits and even as alienation, a situation that recalls acceptance issues of Turks abroad. Educated and qualified migrants in particular demand "refugee statue" from Turkey and then their transfer to a European country in order to live there permanently. They also repeatedly state that they have an issue with their ability to work. Most indicate that despite the granted work permits, they still face labor exploitation. Syrians who have trouble finding accommodations complain about rent levels, their financial difficulties and hard living conditions. The attitude of local people towards Syrians varies. While some offer their places free of charge, others charge high rents for poor quality accommodations (e.g., barns, stores, bake-houses, etc.).Most Syrians state that their living conditions have diminished in Turkey. They also say that their houses in Syria are irreversibly damaged. Syrians also complain about the occasionally bad attitude of hospital personnel and local people in hospitals, although they are granted access to health care by the Turkish state.

Finally, most Syrians would like to return to their country if the war ends. However, there is little hope that the fighting will cease any time soon and thus they cannot...