Experience of coexistence with diversity of Syrian asylum seekers in Turkey (Bursa-Orhangazi example)

The conflict in Syria, which has been going on for 9 years, has made livable places uninhabitable for people and has caused millions of people to be displaced. Syrians, who had to leave their country for security concerns, constitute the largest number of refugee groups in the world today. Turkey, on the other hand, continues to be the country hosting the largest number of Syrians in the world, opening its doors to 3.6 million Syrians. Given that migrating individuals face an economically, socially and culturally different lifestyle, it is clear that this process will create many new areas of struggle for them. Based on the experience of Syrians in the field of struggle, this study aims to understand how social realities and relationships established by difference are made meaningful by Syrians. In line with the main objectives of the research, a phenomenological approach based on qualitative research method was adopted. The field survey was conducted with 10 Syrian participants in Bursa province by in-depth interview technique with semi-structured questions. The data obtained as a result of the interviews were analyzed by thematic data analysis and the research findings were reached. According to research data, 'being an asylum seeker' brings with it many difficulties, causing feelings such as 'loneliness', 'helplessness', 'imperfection', 'embarrassment', 'gratitude' in Syrians. However, it is understood that participants redefined their identity with categories such as 'guest', 'stranger', 'refugee'. In addition, it has been concluded that Syrians experience positive processes such as good neighbourly relations and benevolence, while on the other hand, they are subjected to processes of exclusion and otherness in which prejudices are effective. Understanding the processes in which the "us" and "them" distinction emerged and what the identities of Syrians mean to them is important in terms of maintaining a life together with difference in safety and peace.