Securitization of Syrian refugees in Turkey: The impacts of statements by political parties on refugees in the city of Mersin

Since the end of the Cold War, the concept of security has been transforming from the state centric approach of military security to human related security to include human rights, environment and migration. In particular, etnic and identy related conflicts between states and within state has genereted a number of human related security issues such as migration. Internal war in Syria has resulted in a huge migration flux which has an enormous impacts on international politics and Turkish domestic politics. Societal actors and political parties in Turkey have effectively securitized Syrian refugees on economic, social grounds. This study examines how statements by political parties on this issue have influenced Syrian refugees in the city of Mersin.