Forced migartion and intergroup relations: Arab-Turkish citizens' perceptions of Syrians in Turkey

Official URL: https://risc01.sabanciuniv.edu/record=b2486398_(Table of contents)

This study aims to contribute to a narrowly studied dimension of migration and attitudes towards immigrants by looking at how sectarian differences between immigrants and members of the immigrant-receiving communities influence the relationship between these two communities. It examines how the Arab-Turkish citizens perceive Syrians in Turkey and how ethnic, cultural, and religious linkages influence their perceptions of Syrians in Turkey. Data of the study are obtained from a total of 40 semi-structured and face-to-face interviews with Arab-Turkish citizens from Mersin and Mardin. The findings of the study suggest that the respondents’ sectarian affiliations influence the way they perceive Syrians. Other findings of the study suggest that, on the one side, being Arab and speaking Arabic positively influences the participants’ perceptions towards Syrians. However, on the other side, respondents perceive the Syrians as outsiders depending on the level of importance attributed to their national identities