The social integration of Syrian migrants living in Turkey-the case of Adana

Syrian migrants, despite having lived in Turkey for a long time, face various challenges in terms of social integration. When examined from socio-economic, political, and cultural perspectives, factors such as language barriers, access to education and healthcare services, employment, and economic hardships make their societal integration more difficult. These elements are among the key factors affecting the mutual adaptation process of both migrants and the local community. In this study, the challenges in social integration processes were analyzed through formal interviews conducted with 20 Syrian migrants living in Adana. The findings reveal that Syrian migrants experience significant difficulties in daily life and finding employment, that restrictive policies prevent them from securing jobs suitable to their qualifications, and that they are often forced to work in low-income and insecure jobs. Additionally, access to healthcare services is a major issue, and racist and discriminatory attitudes further exacerbate this situation. Institutions, on the other hand, are found to be insufficient in addressing the needs of migrants. The adaptation and integration of Syrian migrants into society should be supported through legal regulations in socio-economic, cultural, and political aspects, while the local population should contribute to the process with a culturally inclusive and tolerant approach, free from prejudice.