Main Focus
Social cohesion between Syrian refugees who remain in Türkiye and host communities.
Project Details
Strengthening Social Cohesion in Post-War Türkiye
An independent research project examining the experiences of Syrian refugees who remain in Türkiye, changing public perceptions, and the policies needed to support peaceful coexistence.
Project at a Glance
Research Locations
Research will be conducted in Istanbul and Gaziantep.
Research Participants
Syrian refugees, host community members, NGOs, municipalities, and relevant institutions.
Expected Outcome
Evidence-based policy and community recommendations for sustainable social cohesion.
Project Background
Understanding the changing realities of Syrian refugees in Türkiye.
The Anti-Refugee Wave in Europe introduced a new phase in Türkiye’s migration context. While some Syrian refugees may return, many are expected to remain due to employment, education, acquired citizenship, family ties, and continuing uncertainty regarding safety.
Since 2011, Türkiye has become not only a place of refuge but also a long-term home for millions of Syrians. As the country continues to respond, this project examines the challenges faced by Syrians who continue living in Türkiye and explores how sustainable and peaceful coexistence can be supported.
Research Focus
Exploring the conditions that shape sustainable social cohesion.
Social and economic challenges
Daily experiences and living conditions
Host community attitudes and perceptions
Institutional and NGO responses
Policy and community-based solutions
Project Objectives
Understand challenges
Identify the main social and economic challenges experienced by Syrian refugees who remain in Türkiye.
Analyse public discourse
Examine public attitudes and dominant narratives through discourse analysis.
Document daily experiences
Explore everyday lives, needs, and living conditions of Syrian refugees.
Examine institutional response
Understand how municipalities, NGOs, and other stakeholders respond.
Develop recommendations
Produce policy and community-based recommendations that strengthen peaceful coexistence.
Share the findings
Disseminate research findings to public, NGOs, local authorities, and media.
Research Questions
How can Türkiye build stronger social cohesion for the future?
Main research question: How will the expected conclusion of the Syrian Civil War impact social cohesion in Türkiye?
Challenges
What are the key social and economic challenges faced by Syrian refugees who remain in Türkiye?
Perceptions and responses
How do host communities, local authorities, and NGOs perceive and respond to their continued presence?
Future strategies
What policy and community-based strategies can strengthen social cohesion?
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