Gaziantep'in Yazıcık ve Kozluca mahallelerinde mülteci entegrasyonunda konut ve toplumun rolü

Türkiye has emerged as a key host country for displaced populations fleeing the prolonged Syrian conflict and other regional crises, accommodating over 3 million displaced Syrians since the onset of the war. This influx has posed significant challenges in managing housing, legal frameworks, community cohesion, and integrating these populations. Gaziantep, a city near Syria's northern border, has become a considerable settlement area for displaced Syrians. This study focuses on Şahinbey District, characterized by a high concentration of Syrian residents, affordable living conditions, and relatively stable housing. It examines the challenges Syrians face concerning housing, living standards, and their sense of belonging and explores how these factors influence their integration into Turkish society. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining qualitative in-depth interviews with quantitative surveys targeting a broader sample of Syrian residents. This methodology provides a comprehensive understanding of their experiences by capturing individual narratives and statistically significant patterns. It offers a detailed analysis of Syrian refugees' living conditions in two neighborhoods within Şahinbey District. The research contributes to the literature by thoroughly examining these conditions, emphasizing the need for more effective policies and practical interventions to enhance support systems and improve the quality of life for both host and displaced populations. The findings reveal that, while physical housing conditions are critical, safety, psychological well-being, and culturally appropriate urban designs play an equally significant role in fostering a sense of belonging. The study also highlights the importance of economic stability, social cohesion, supportive legal frameworks, and effective communication channels in promoting successful integration. Furthermore, the research emphasizes architectural and urban planning as cornerstones for improving quality of life. Architectural designs and planning must integrate psychosocial, economic, cultural, and environmental factors, which are inherently interconnected. Addressing these considerations cohesively is essential to achieving adaptable and sustainable design outcomes.