The impact of Syrian migrant entrepreneurs on social cohesion: the case of Gaziantep

Migrants and social cohesion are closely related since harmony and stability in host communities depend on the effective integration of migrants. Creating inclusive communities where everyone feels respected and connected—including migrants—is necessary for social cohesiveness. Fair access to resources like jobs, healthcare, and education is essential for this integration process, as are initiatives to end discrimination and increase understanding between the parties. Social cohesion can only be achieved by effective policies and community involvement programs that enable refugees to successfully integrate into their new communities, thereby benefiting both the host society and the migrants themselves. This study aims to explore the business established by Syrian migrants in Türkiye, Gaziantep, on social cohesion and the dynamics of social cohesion based on different factors, utilizing the adapted Socio-cultural Adaptation Scale (SCAS-R) through an online survey directed to Syrian Entrepreneurs and Business owners in Gaziantep. The findings highlight that establishing a business in not alone a determinant factor for social cohesion; on the contrary, variables like level of education have an unseen impact; in addition, language as a perceived way of communication has a much more significant effect on social cohesion as a bridge to bringing host and guest society closer to each other.