Irregular migration and adaptation process in türki̇ye: a comparison on the perceptions of immigrants and residents

This study aims to empirically examine the mutual perceptions, social integration levels, and patterns of prejudice between irregular migrants and the local population in Turkey. Since the influx of Syrian refugees following the 2011 civil war, Turkey has become a focal point of mass migration movements. This dynamic has not only created substantial challenges for migrants seeking integration into Turkish society but also altered the everyday social and cultural perceptions of the host community. The central objective of this research is to identify the social, economic, and cultural barriers faced by migrants, while simultaneously exploring how local citizens respond to the integration process through their attitudes and levels of acceptance. A quantitative research design was employed in the study. Data was collected from 395 individuals (105 migrants and 290 locals) using a specially developed Likert-type scale that includes five dimensions: Socio-Cultural Adaptation, Socio-Economic Status, General Life Satisfaction, Prejudice and Perception, and Social Acceptance. The scale was validated through comprehensive reliability and validity testing, including factor analysis. The findings reveal that migrants face notable difficulties such as social exclusion, economic insecurity, and cultural alienation. Conversely, the host community largely maintains cautious and prejudiced attitudes, contributing to a superficial level of social contact between the two groups. The research underscores the bidirectional nature of social integration, stressing the need for inclusive and comprehensive social policies. The results suggest that integration should not be seen solely as the migrants' responsibility, but also as a social transformation process requiring the participation and empathy of the host community. The study offers valuable insights for academics, policymakers, and civil society organizations aiming to promote sustainable coexistence and mutual understanding between migrants and local citizens in Turkey. Keywords: Irregular migration, integration, host community, migrant perception, social adaptation