Theses supervised by Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Kadir Onur Unutulmaz
14 theses · Ankara Social Science University
Building bridges through inclusive education system: The case of Syrian refugee children in Hatay/TURKEY
The civil war that started in Syria in March 2011 has been continuing for the last 8 years with a profound impact on the lives of millions of Syrian citizens. Syrian children, who are currently living in Syria and those who migrated to other countries, pay the heaviest price. Since the outbreak of the war, approximately 5,6 million Syrian refugees have fled from war and conflict and migrated to other countries. At the same time, 6,2 million people were displaced within Syria. While Syrians have been forcibly displaced, they have sought refuge primarily in their border neighbours, specifically including Turkey. Turkey is home to 3,6 million Syrian refugees which make it the largest refugee-hosting country in the world. Almost half of the Syrian refugee population in Turkey is school-age children, which greatly increases the importance of refugee education in Turkey. Education plays a key role in helping refugee children cope with the negative situations they are exposed to and adapt to the country in which they migrate. In this study, the services provided by the Turkish Government to meet the educational needs of Syrian refugee children since 2011 have been examined, the different education systems applied to refugee students and how these systems have been transformed from temporary policies to permanent policies have been discussed. It also examined how access to education and different educational systems have importance in integrating Syrian refugee children to host society. Finally, the fieldwork conducted in Hatay discussed the accessibility, quality, and inclusivity of education services, and identified the difficulties and good examples encountered in the education process. Through the identified challenges and good examples, various policy recommendations have been made to expand the inclusiveness of the current refugee education system.
A cognitive approach to foreign policy analysis: Indonesia's role as a non-permanent member of the United Nation Security Council in 2019-2020
Elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the fourth time, Indonesia as a middle power presented a national role as a "True Partner for World Peace" in 2019-2020. Indonesian decision-makers cognitively perceived this role as important to achieve Indonesia's core national interests. By using a cognitive Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA) approach called Breuning's national role conception, Indonesia's role is influenced by the intertwined ideational and material factors. On the one hand; Indonesia's identities as a developing country, the largest Moslem population, and the third largest democracy; independent and active principles that have been preserved as the culture of foreign policy practice; as well as domestic awareness and support; perceived as part of the ideational factors emanating from the domestic sphere. On the other hand; multilateral power or Indonesia's diplomatic participation and position in various multilateral forums, as well as opportunities to engage internationally for the intermediate powers; perceived as the material factors originating in the international system. This thesis also finds that in the role perception and implementation, Indonesian decision-makers remained cognitively consistent and pragmatic, meaning that Indonesia's role in the Council for the 2019-2020 period was satisficing in accordance with Indonesia's core national interests in pursuing global peace and was based on Indonesia's position as a non-permanent member. Keywords: Indonesia, United Nations Security Council, 2019-2020, national role conception, cognitive Foreign Policy Analysis
Diaspora policies in the Baltic States
Diaspora policies are gaining increased importance worldwide, and the Baltic States are no exception. This thesis is researching why diaspora policies are playing an important role in the Baltic States' politics and how diaspora policies differ amongst three Baltic States – Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. These three states provide a good research sample because they have significantly large diasporas worldwide compared to their population, which is again in a similar range. The Baltic States share close geographical proximity and some historical commonalities as well, and yet their diaspora policies differ to some extent. All three Baltic states, for example, have different dual citizenship policies and different voting systems for their diasporas abroad, etc. Can existing diaspora engagement policies explain occurring differences? In what ways do respective demographics, histories and economies of the Baltic States affect their diaspora policies? Although these countries appeared to be quite similar on the surface, by analyzing their demographics, histories, and economies, some differences were discovered as well. Both Latvia and Estonia have quite a sizeable Slavic population, while the one in Lithuania is much lower, resulting in some different approaches. Overall, Baltic States' diaspora policies seem to be heavily influenced by their demographic and historical backgrounds, and as a result, these countries encourage long-distance nationalism. Diaspora institution theories were used as another method to research and understand occurring differences. This thesis also explains that a multitude of factors of which some are susceptible to constant changes, influence each state's diaspora policies and the Baltic States are no exception. Overall, it can be noted that all Baltic States prioritize their diasporas even if their general diaspora engagement levels differ.
Yerel entegrasyon yönetişiminde adhokrasi: Ankara'daki Suriyeli mültecilerin yerel entegrasyonuna yönelik Altındağ ve Çankaya belediyelerinin yaklaşımlarının karşılaştırılması
When the mass inflows started from Syria to Turkey in 2011, Turkey welcomed the Syrian refugees in the camps that were built in border cities in the first place. However, as the years passed, the number of Syrians who took refuge in Turkey increased, and most Syrians started to mobilize toward the cities where job opportunities are high. So, the local governments at the forefront of the Syrian forced migration management had the responsibility to provide services for the newcomers without any legal authorization. In such a condition, it is quite important to investigate whether there is any congruence or interplay between the central government playing the steering role with its decision-making and regulatory bodies and the municipalities facing the challenges of integration at the city level. Since the Syrians in Turkey have temporary protection status for an indefinite time period, the integration policy development has been characterized by the national policy ad-hocracy, which is also expected to be reflected in the responses of the municipalities. Hence, this study aims to analyze the extent that the approaches regarding the local integration of Syrians in Altındağ and Çankaya municipal districts in Ankara could be considered as part of the national policy ad-hocracy. This study revealed that although there are great differences between the difficulties faced by Altındağ and Çankaya municipalities, political party policies are often decisive in terms of local integration efforts of municipalities.
Child migrants and child labor in Thailand: An overview of motives and national policies
This study aims to investigate child migration and child labor issues in Thailand. The study specifically focuses on the factors that drive children from neighboring countries such as Myanmar, Lao PDR, and Cambodia to migrate to Thailand and engage in child labor, as well as the effectiveness of Thailand's current policies to protect these children. The study uses a qualitative research design and primarily employs desk research as the main method of data collection, drawing on various sources such as government reports and academic papers. The study provides a comprehensive background on child migration and child labor in Thailand, including relevant literature, international standards, and an overview of migration policies and factors that influence children's decision to migrate and engage in child labor. The study concludes that the issue of child labor among child migrants in Thailand is complex and influenced by numerous push and pull factors such as poverty, cultural norms, and lack of access to education. The elimination of the worst forms of child labor should be the main focus, taking into consideration the context, autonomy, and agency of the children. The study finds that governance of international migration in Thailand is subject to success and challenges and requires cooperation at all levels to address systemic problems. Irregular status of child migrants is a significant challenge, and laws and policies need to be aligned with the principles of the best interest of the child, equity, inclusivity, and participation. This study also highlights the need for improvement in education and health care policies, as well as child protection measures to ensure that they align with the child rights-based approach. The study concludes that efforts to address child labor in Thailand still fall short in fulfilling principles of equity, inclusivity, and participation.
Assessing the impact of truth commissions in human rights development
Truth Commissions are one of transitional justice mechanisms established temporarily to uncover, document, and prevent the recurrence of past human rights violations that occurred during authoritarian and repressive regimes or periods of conflict. These commissions play a significant role in the transition to a democratic and peaceful form of governance. It is generally expected that truth commissions contribute to the development of human rights, given their establishment during the transition process. This issue has been extensively debated within the framework of human rights development. However, it is important to determine whether these commissions have a direct impact on human rights during a democratic transition process, as it is possible for advancements or improvements in human rights to occur during this period. Based on this, the aim of this thesis is to directly demonstrate the impact of current truth commissions on human rights development through their works, findings, observations, and recommendations. Additionally, it seeks to discuss their effects within the framework of transitional justice theories, specifically focusing on the human rights developments solely achieved through the commission's efforts during the transitional period. At this point, the practical impact of truth commissions on human rights has been evaluated through the examples of Chile and South Africa. In this thesis, the final reports of truth commissions have been used as primary sources, and the studies and analyses of researchers and scholars specialized in the field have also been utilized. According to the findings, it is believed that the acceptance of truth commission reports as official documents, promoting accountability, and implementing legal and constitutional reforms to prevent future human rights violations directly contribute to the development of human rights. However, based on the cases, it has been concluded that the impact of truth commissions is sometimes limited and delayed due to factors such as the powers held by the commission itself and the inadequate political support, concerns about security and stability in the country. Therefore, in order to enhance institutional functionality, certain measures and steps should be taken to strengthen the impact of truth commissions on human rights development.
Bangladeş'te iklim kaynaklı göç: Kanıtlar ve zorlular
İklim değişikliği ve göç arasındaki ilişki insanlık tarihi boyunca eskidir. Bu çalışmada; Güney Asya ülkesi olan Bangladeş özelinde iklim değişikliği ve göç arasındaki bağlantı ortaya koyulmaya çalışılmıştır. Çalışmada; Bangladeş'te iklim değişikliğine sebep olan etmenler ile bu etmenlerin göçe yol açma süreçleri ele alınmıştır. Bangladeş gerek coğrafi gerek fiziksel olarak iklim değişikliğine karşı duyarlı olan ülkelerin başında gelmektedir. Bu durum, Bangladeş'i iklim değişikliğinin meydana getireceği olumsuz etkilere karşı önem almaya itmiştir. Bangladeş'te ani başlayan olaylar ve hızlı başlayan olaylar iklim göçüne iten faktörler arasındadır. Aniden başlayan seller, toprak kayması, kasırgalar ile yavaş başlayan deniz seviyesinin yükselmesi, kuraklık, kıyı erozyonu gibi olaylar Bangladeş'te iklim değişikliğinin faktörleridir. Bu çalışmada; Bangladeş'te ani başlayan olaylar ile yavaş başlayan olaylar açıklanarak, bu olayların göçle bağlantısı istatistiki olarak ele alınmış ve çalışma analizlerinde ikinci veriler ile gri metaryaller kullanılmıştır. Bangladeş'te iklim değişikliğinden dolayı yerinden edilen insanların verileri incelenerek durum analiz edilmiştir. Bangladeş örneğinden iklim değişikliği ve göçe ilişkin elde edilen bilgiler doğrultusunda çeşitli görüş ve tavsiyelere yer verilmiştir. İklim değişikliğinin yaratmış olduğu etkilerin aynı zamanda bir güvenlik sorunu olduğu vurgulanmıştır. Bunun için ülkelerin konuya ilişkin çözüm üretmeleri, iklim ve göç arasındaki bağlantı olduğunun kabul edilmesi, göçmen grubu için uyum ve stratejik planların ortaya konulması gereklidir. Ayrıca çalışma, iklim ve göç alanındaki bağlantının önemine vurgu yaparak konunun ileriki çalışmalara yol gösterici olması hedeflenmiştir. Anahtar Kelimeler: Bangladeş, göç, yerinden edilme, ani başlayan olaylar, hızlı başlayan olaylar
Turkish and German migration policies in comparison: The case of Syrian refugees
The phenomenon of migration is a worldwide and evolving concept that has been prevalent for many centuries. In the modern era, political events and global circumstances have led to the renewed prominence and varied manifestations of migration and the notion of migrants. A prime example of this resurgence is the Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011, along with its subsequent effects. As a consequence of the civil war, Syrians were compelled to flee their homeland, seeking asylum in various countries under different circumstances. Türkiye, which shares a border with Syria and serves as a key gateway between Europe and Asia, emerged as one of the nations most significantly impacted by this influx of migrants. Similarly, in Europe, Germany stands out as one of the most affected nations by the arrival of Syrian refugees, more so than many other European countries. This study aims to scrutinize the foundational elements of the migration policies of Türkiye and Germany, focusing on the evolving dynamics over time. It seeks to conduct a comparative analysis of the strategies and outcomes that shape their respective migration policies. Through this comparison the study intends to explore the legal, economic, cultural frameworks of Türkiye and Germany and assess the influence of their migration policies on Syrian refugees. Keywords: Migration, Syrian refugees, Türkiye, Germany, migration policy
Homeland perception and identity in diaspora: Case study of Kazakh diaspora in Germany
In contemporary times, the concept of diaspora has gained significant scholarly interest. The concept which dates back to 2500 years refers to a community dispersed from the original homeland, especially as a result of forced traumatic displacement and scattered to different parts of the world while preserving the myth about homeland and collective memory. In the post-modern world the diaspora concept has begun to be engaged new discussions, which turns its relationship with concepts such as identity and belonging. In this regard, the Kazakh diaspora in Germany being examined in this thesis garnered noteworthy scrutiny from an analytical standpoint as a case study due to its multiply scattered nature. The Kazakh diaspora has had a long journey before finally settling in Germany whose ancestors fled the growing oppressive politics of China in East Turkestan from the western province of Xinjiang. After a long and difficult journey through the Himalayas and Tibet, they reached India in 1940s and settled in Turkey in 1950s and further moved to Germany in 1960s. Hence, we are discussing about the existence of unique Kazakh diaspora in the context of four countries, which has formed over time, undergone various transformations from the past to the present day. Diaspora individuals are consistently faced with the challenge of simultaneously existing in distinct home and host society realms and experiencing separate lived experiences. In this regard, it was of great importance to investigate the homeland orientation and a sense of belonging of the Kazakh diaspora living in Germany. For these individuals who have been forced to leave their homeland in the past, the idea of keeping the original culture "alive" is substantial notwithstanding the disconnection from homeland and the influence of globalization. An inquiry that emerges in this particular situation is the way in which the diasporic identities are constructed, practiced perceived, and negotiated. The tension of "living here and but remembering and desiring another place" determines how the identities of diaspora members are constructed. On the other hand, the firsthand encounter with the Kazakh diaspora as transnational community reveals the fragility of the idea that identity should be rooted in one's solid origins only. The presented study is based on empirical field research attempting to shed light on the various aspects of Kazakh diaspora members' belonging and homeland orientation, attitudes, discourses and practices related to it that are found in everyday life interactions and analyze how they are transformed over time. Key words: diaspora, identity, homeland, Kazakh diaspora.
Gender, racial, and social norms among the second- and third- generation Turkish female immigrants in Germany
The purpose of this study is to find the correlation among the concepts of integration and patriarchy among the second- and third- generation women of Turkish descent in Germany; moreover, to spot the differences between generations. This study utilized a qualitative research method. The data for this study was collected by means of online interviews with 29 respondents, 16 of which were third- generation and 13 of which were second- generation respondents. The collected data was then analyzed under themes. The finding displays an inverse correlation between the two concepts of integration and patriarchy. Key words: Integration, Patriarchy, Intersectionality; economic, social, and cultural capital; Habitus
Crossing the frontier: Characteristics and conditions of Afghan irregular migration at the Iranian-Turkish border
In exploring the irregular journey of Afghan migrants through Iran to Türkiye, this thesis delves into the narratives shaped by political upheavals and economic restrictions in their homeland. Forced displacement due to political disruption has compelled millions of Afghans to seek refuge beyond their borders. The research examines the intricate factors influencing this irregular journey, seeking to deepen our understanding of the migration experiences endured by Afghans as they make their way to Türkiye. A detailed analysis is provided, shedding light on the multifaceted motivations of Afghan migration and the nuanced influences guiding their decision-making process. The focus remains on the challenging journey through Iran, revealing the challenges faced by Afghan migrants along this dangerous path. Utilizing a comprehensive methodology, the study combines primary data from in-depth interviews with Afghan asylum seekers in Türkiye and secondary data sources helping to address the research questions of the thesis. The primary research questions guiding this thesis include: ● What are the difficulties and challenges faced by Afghan migrants during their journey to Türkiye? ● What are the primary motivations and push/pull factors influencing Afghan migrants to embark on the irregular journey to Turkey through Iran? ● What are the common routes taken by Afghan irregular migrants through Iran to reach Turkey, and what are the key dynamics and risks associated with these routes? Key findings reveal that Afghan migrants face numerous challenges, including harsh weather conditions, physical exhaustion, threats from human smugglers, and the constant risk of detention and deportation. The motivations driving these migrants are multifaceted, encompassing a mix of push factors such as ongoing violence, political instability, and economic hardship in Afghanistan, and pull factors like perceived safety, better economic opportunities, and a more stable socio-political environment in Türkiye. The study maps out the common routes taken by these migrants, highlighting the treacherous terrain and significant risks involved, including encounters with border security forces and reliance on dangerous smuggling networks. Emphasizing both the push and pull factors in the origin and destination countries, the thesis contributes to a nuanced comprehension of the motivations driving Afghan immigration to Türkiye. Unfortunately, legal migration constraints have compelled many Afghans to resort to illegal methods, including smuggling networks and illegal border crossings. This research not only adds depth to academic discourse but also serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of those seeking a safer and more promising future. In summary, 'Every migration is a story,' is exemplified in this thesis which unfolds the narratives of Afghan migrants offering valuable insights into their challenges, aspirations, and the complex web of factors influencing their migration decision.
Gambiya'dan AB'ye düzensiz göç: Motivasyonlar, dinamikler ve zorluklar
his research paper aimed to investigate the complex nature of irregular migration from the Gambia to the EU, focusing on why people would like to immigrate. The research analyzes how socio-economic, political, and environmental factors push Gambians into embarking on deadly journeys called "BackWay" to Europe, often through irregular means. The study examines conditions behind causes, motives, and patterns that drive young people into illegal departure from the Gambia to Europe such as socio-economic dysfunctionalities, political instability, and other push factors that propel the migration phenomenon. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of data to identify key actors, networks, and routes involved in this migratory process, highlighting the complex interplay between human smuggling networks, migrant decision-making, and EU border control measures. Additionally, it assesses challenges faced by both migrants and their host countries Finally, the paper concludes with an in-depth understanding of irregular migration from The Gambia to the EU, and offers recommendations for addressing its root causes, fostering bilateral cooperation, and enhancing migrant rights protection. As such, the findings extend broader discussions on migration studies, international relations, and administrative policies that affect different parties. Keywords: Irregular migration, EU-Gambia, Bilateral relationship, migration governance, Migration trends
Latin Amerika'dan Türkiye'ye göç: Etkenler, deneyimler & beklentiler
This thesis looks at why people from Latin American countries decide to move to Türkiye, and what life is like for them once they arrive. It focuses on two main questions: what pushes people to leave their home countries, and what attracts them to Türkiye. Problems like economic crises, political troubles, and social insecurity in Latin America are strong reasons why people want to leave. At the same time, Türkiye has been actively using "soft power" tools such as cultural diplomacy, scholarships, easier visa policies, and especially popular Turkish TV series to make itself an attractive place to live. To understand this topic better, the study combines interviews with Latin American migrants from the case countries; Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Venezuela, living in Türkiye and analysis of soft power tools of Türkiye. The research finds that many people move not only for work or safety, but also because they feel drawn to Turkish culture, see new opportunities, and hear positive stories about life in Türkiye. Turkish TV series, cultural events, and student exchanges help create this positive image and influence people's decisions before they move. The thesis also explores what happens after migrants arrive. It shows how they face both good and difficult experiences, enjoying cultural discovery and new friendships, while sometimes also struggling with language, bureaucracy, and feelings of being far from home. By focusing on this lesser-known migration route, the research adds to wider discussions about migration between countries of Latin America, and how a country like Türkiye can attract people not only through jobs or asylum, but also through cultural influence and media.
Justified and enforced: Explaining the legitimization and execution of mass deportation of undocumented migrants
In the 21st century, between 2000 and 2025, an estimated 8–9 million people were deported en masse globally. Mass deportation remains a major recurring issue in international relations. The number of deportees in the last five years, from 2020 to 2025, is more than in the first 20 years of the 21st century, from 2000 to 2020. This thesis examines how states justify, legitimize, and execute mass deportation, and investigates what these actions reveal about the current state of migrants' rights. By distinguishing deportation from other forms of removal, this study provides necessary conceptual clarity. I argue that to justify mass deportation, states increasingly employ securitization rhetoric, often coupled with a 'fifth column' narrative. Because not all states resort to mass deportation, I have developed a new three-level analytical framework to examine the legitimization and execution of these cases at domestic, regional, and international levels; each level has two elements: laws and actors. This framework is applied to two paired-comparison case studies where justifications for mass deportation were present, yet the outcomes differed. Furthermore, the impact of mass deportation on migrants' rights is evaluated through a rigorous analysis of international laws and conventions. This thesis fills a significant gap in the literature by providing conceptual clarity and a new analytical framework. By analyzing two of the most recent cases as of 2025, the study helps clarify how states justify, legitimize, and execute the mass deportation of migrants and concludes with policy recommendations aimed at addressing systemic shortcomings and protecting the rights of migrants, particularly undocumented migrants.