Religious and psychological dimensions of cultural adaptation process in Syrian refugees (Example of Kilis)

This study determines how the cultural adaptation processes of Syrian refugees, who have migrated and settled in Kilis due to the civil war that has erupted in their countries, progressed what acculturation strategy they turned to and what religious and psychological factors affect the psycho-social adaptation process. Qualitative research method was used in the research and case study was conducted. The aim here is to collect in depth information about the real life and current situation by applying the technique of observation and interview, and to make evaluations in the light of this information. As a result of the research, it is understood that Syrian refugees living in Kilis have good communication and contact with the local population. It has been observed that 18 out of 19 participants have learned Turkish and contributed greatly to the cultural adaption process. It has been determined that Kilis is a smaller city compared to other provinces and that better living conditions economically have a positive impact on the cultural adaptation of refugees. It is understood that factors such as the high similarities between the two cultures, the pre-established kinship and trade relations, the conservative structure of the city, the fact that most people belong to the same religion and the importance of local community to religious practices are important motivators in the psycho-social adaptation process. It has been observed that the participants often resorted to positive religious coping methods as a result of their traumas. Eight participants stated that they wanted to stay in Turkey. On the hand, 12 participants stated that the war in Syria should end and their countries would prosper in every sense in order to return, or they would not return. As it can be understood from here, it is understood that the fact that the participants want to stay in Turkey is one of the important sources of motivation in the cultural adaptation process. As a result of the traumas caused by the war, death, bombing, etc. experienced by the participants, it was observed that the adaptation process became difficult. It is understood that 14 participants adopted the integration strategy in terms of culturalization strategies. It was determined that the three participants turned to the separation strategy. Two participants expressed that they felt like Turkish because they obtained Turkish citizenship and turned to assimilation strategy. No one has turned to the strategy of marginalization. Keywords: Syrian, Kilis, Refugee, Religios Coping, Cultural Adaptation.