Brain drain from Türkiye to the European Union countries after the 2010 referendum

This thesis examines the brain drain phenomenon through the experiences of individuals migrating from Türkiye to European Union countries. The main purpose of the research is to determine at which stages migration theories, such as Push-Pull and Network theories, are effective in the migration decision-making processes of individuals and to evaluate the roles of these theories in settlement processes. The study analyses the motivations of professionals migrating from Türkiye abroad, their difficulties, and the opportunities they obtain in their new living spaces. In addition, the historical development of Türkiye's migration and asylum policies in the context of the concept of brain drain is examined, and how these policies were shaped after the 2010 referendum is investigated. The surveys and interviews conducted within the scope of the field work of the research deepened the findings and shed light on Türkiye's current and future policy orientations regarding brain drain. As a result, it is emphasized that Türkiye needs to increase economic opportunities, ensure political stability, and strengthen academic freedom to prevent brain drain and encourage reverse migration.