The perception for syrian asylum seekers of local people in İzmir

Refugees, asylum seekers and migrants are facing the most serious humanitarian crisis of today's world. In order to live in a safer foreseen environment or region, millions of people which have lost their safety of life and property because of war, occupation, conflict or climate change leave their countries. Turkey is a transit country for refugees and asylum seekers coming from a very concentrated irregular migratory movements originating from Asia, Africa and the Middle East. At the same time Turkey is becoming not just transit but a destination country as well. The humanitarian catastrophe in Syria affected Turkey on the highest level and in various aspects. With the "open door" policy implemented by Turkey, it is hosting about 3 million Syrian refugees, and giving them "temporary protection status". Nevertheless, the vast majorities of asylum seekers are located outside the established camp districts and are dispersed into cities through their free residence permits. Izmir becoming one of the centers of irregular migration mobility carries the characteristic of a transit city which Syrian refugees frequently use to reach Europe illegally. At the same time, even if temporarily refugees and asylum seekers are coming to Izmir and they are trying to find a job. This situation is affecting the vii social, cultural and economic life of Izmir and all of these developments are affecting the social perception as well. In this research, are discussed as well as the causes and consequences of illegal irregular migratory mobility in Turkey. Key Words: Syria, Refugee, Asylum Seeker, Ġzmir, Perception.