Scapegoated by Everyone, Wanted by No One
July 12, 2023, 1:00 a.m. ET
ANTAKYA, Turkey — Syrian refugees in Turkey are facing increasing blame and hostility from the local population, exacerbating their already difficult situation. The recent earthquakes in the region have only added fuel to the fire, with some blaming the Syrians for the natural disasters.
Seyfeddin Selim, a refugee from Homs, Syria, experienced this blame firsthand when his shop was looted during the earthquakes. A Turkish man told him that the Syrians were responsible for the earthquakes, adding insult to injury. Mr. Selim, like many other Syrian refugees, is struggling to make a living in Turkey and is now homeless.
Turkey is currently hosting the largest number of refugees in the world, with approximately 3.6 million Syrian refugees. In the early years of the Syrian conflict, Turkey’s open-door policy was praised, but the mood has shifted in recent years. Hate crimes against Syrians have increased, and they are often blamed for various problems in the country, such as unemployment and rising prices.
Hatay, the southernmost province of Turkey, has a significant Syrian refugee population, with over 400,000 refugees living there. Many Syrians in Hatay express a desire to move to Europe, but the high cost of smugglers and the lack of resources have left them stuck in limbo.
Meanwhile, President Bashar al-Assad of Syria has been making a comeback, attending an Arab League summit for the first time in over a decade. The normalization of Syrian-Turkish relations is a priority for many neighboring countries, but Syrians themselves are not ready to return to a country still ruled by Assad.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, who once welcomed Syrian refugees as “brothers,” has announced plans to repatriate one million Syrians to northern Syria. While some Syrians still see Erdogan as an ally, others fear being sent back to a conflict-ridden country.
For Syrians in exile, the options are becoming increasingly limited. Many are anxiously pursuing Turkish citizenship or applying for resettlement in other countries, hoping to escape the difficult conditions they face in Turkey.
As the blame and hostility towards Syrian refugees continue to grow, it is crucial for the international community to listen to their voices and provide support and solutions to their plight.
What long-term solutions can be implemented to address the discrimination and hostility faced by Syrian refugees in Turkey, and how can international and local actors work together to ensure their safety and well-being
Argeted his store, accusing Selim of bringing bad luck to the community. Selim and other Syrian refugees have become scapegoats, bearing the brunt of frustration and anger from the local population.
As the Syrian conflict enters its twelfth year, Turkey hosts the largest number of Syrian refugees in the world, estimated at around 3.7 million. While Turkey initially received praise for its hospitality towards refugees, the sentiment has shifted over time. The integration and assimilation of such a large population have proved challenging, leading to increasing resentment and discrimination.
Amid the ongoing xenophobia, the recent earthquakes in Turkey have intensified the hostility towards Syrian refugees. Some members of the local population believe that the Syrians’ presence in Turkey has brought about these natural disasters. Fueling this belief are unfounded conspiracy theories, spreading fear and mistrust.
Syrian refugees like Selim find themselves caught in a vicious cycle of isolation and discrimination. Jobs are scarce, with many locals blaming refugees for taking away employment opportunities. Access to healthcare, education, and social services remains a challenge as well, further deepening their vulnerability.
The scapegoating not only affects Syrian refugees’ physical safety but also their mental well-being. Many endure verbal and physical abuse, leaving them traumatized and constantly fearing for their lives. Some have chosen to hide their Syrian identity for fear of further hostility.
Humanitarian organizations and local Turkish authorities have started addressing the issue, aiming to improve the situation for Syrian refugees. Increased support networks, employment opportunities, and language programs have been implemented to encourage integration and dispel misconceptions.
Nevertheless, long-term solutions are necessary to ensure the well-being and safety of Syrian refugees in Turkey. This requires a collective effort from both international and local actors, focusing on providing equal opportunities and promoting empathy and understanding among the host community.
The blame and hostility faced by Syrian refugees in Turkey highlight the ongoing challenges of forced displacement and the urgent need for comprehensive solutions. It is crucial to remember that these individuals are fleeing violence and persecution and deserve compassion and support, rather than being scapegoated by those seeking someone to blame.
This article sheds light on the heartbreaking reality faced by Syrian refugees in Turkey. It is a poignant reminder of the desperate situation they find themselves in, with limited options and nowhere to seek refuge. Urgent attention and assistance are imperative to alleviate their plight and offer them hope for a better future.
This article sheds light on the heartbreaking reality faced by Syrian refugees in Turkey, emphasizing their desperate search for safety and stability. It is vital that the international community recognizes their plight and takes decisive action to support and protect these vulnerable individuals.