Civilian Participation in the context of Syrian Immigrants in Turkey: Case of Elâzığ

International migration has existed in all periods of history. Immigration and consequences that profoundly affect individual and social life bring with many problems. Although goverments are fundamentally responsible for managing these problems, there are points where goverments are inadequate. Non-governmental organizations have a number of economic and social roles in favor of disadvantaged groups that come with ımmigration. NGOs function in two-way, both complementing the state's shortcoming and allowing civilian participation in immigrants. In this study, the interactions of Syrian migrants migrating to Turkey with NGOs were discussed. In the study, the effects of NGOs on Syrian migrants and the role of NGOs in civilian participation of Syrian migrants were examined. In the theoretical part of the study, some concepts on the subject have been explained, information has been given legislation and national and international NGOs interacting with Syrian migrants have been scanned in Turkey. In addition, NGOs established by Syrian migrants, foreign NGOs and international top organizations associated with Syrian migrants have been addressed. Data on the operating details of the 72 identified NGOs, interviews and websites have been collected and tabled. In the study, NGO officials were included in the topic in order to better analyze the subject and make more accurate determinations. Qualitative research method was used in the application section. The universe of the research is 8,000 Syrian migrants, and 21 NGOs interacting with these migrants in Elâzığ according to figures from the Elâzığ Provincial Migration Administration in September 2018. Based on the number of interviews in literature scans, the number of interviews in the study was targeted as 40-50 people. Due to the use of the interview technique in the study, the answers to the questions were ended where they revisited. In this context, the sample group consisted of a total of 40 people, including 18 NGO officials and 22 Syrian migrants who agreed to meet. Syrian migrants were reached by their reference to ngo authorities first with the snowball sample technique. Semi-configured question instructions have been used to apply to the sample group and sub-questions have been identified according to the course of the conversation. Interviews are mostly It was realized in 2019. NGO officials; It consists of branch managers of NGOs, provincial representatives or members of the NGO on the issue directed by them and interviews were made by making appointments and usually conducted in NGO offices. Interviews with Syrian migrants were held in the offices of NGOs or in the homes of migrants, accompanied by interpreters. The interviews were resolved and evaluated based on the assumptions of the subject and by trying to adhere to the semi-structured questionnaire. As a result of the research, the assumption that he supports immigrants and governments has been confirmed. international, national and local ngos in the overcoming migration problems. In which civil society organizations deliver inkind and cash aid to Syrian migrants on issues such as food, clothing, education, health, housing and employment, psychological and legal counseling, it has been determined that they contribute to the awareness of immigrants and their compliance with the local community. In addition, they inform both the relevant public institutions, society and immigrants with their scientific publications. In this way, they create social awareness and awareness to facilitate the integration of immigrants into the social fabric. In addition, they try to participate in and guide policy making processes indirectly with these scientific publications. However, it has not been confirmed that Syrian migrants have gained the power to influence the decisions of political power through NGOs or the assumption that they can put pressure on decision-making mechanisms. Because in the negotiations, it was observed that Syrian migrants see NGOs as organizations providing financial support in the supply of their needs. The awareness level of Syrian migrants in Elazig has been found to be inadequate when it comes to civilian participation, which is the main theme of the issue and that they have not yet adapted to NGO culture.