Spatial sociology of immigration: The example of Şanlıurfa

The present study aimed to focus on the sociological dynamics of the spatial concentration in Şanlıurfa and its specific regions, and the role of these dynamics on social life during the migration process of Syrian immigrants who migrated to Turkey as a result of the internal conflicts in 2011. In the present research evaluated in mezo scale, hermeneutical paradigm, qualitative method and its observation, interviews and document collection techniques were used to analyze the complex relations during the migration process. In this context, 76 interviews were performed with 56 Syrian immigrants and 20 field experts. In addition, 2 focus group interviews were also conducted. In this study, the determining factors of the spatial concentration of the Syrian immigrants in Şanlıurfa were geographic proximity as well as the unique relations between the Syrian immigrants and Şanlıurfa. In this regard, the relationship, tribal ties, social networks, historical relations, geographical togetherness, ethnicity, the similarity of language, religion, culture and the social structure of Şanliurfa are the prominent factors. In addition, business resemblance and the sense of 'cheap city' are also considered as effective structural factors in this process. The mentioned factors have been taken into consideration as determiner factors for the smooth migration process. However, Şanliurfa's informal social relations and the traditional structure similarity with Syria induced the formation of the abuse-liable areas such as second marriages and also caused the development of the immigration industry. Furthermore, Şanliurfa's economic and demographic disadvantages have been observed as the source of problems between immigrants and the people of the region. Keywords: Migration, Migrant, Space, Migration of Syria, Syrians in Turkey, Şanliurfa