Analysis of the local people's perception of the adaptation of foreigners: Case of Istanbul

Today, which is defined as the age of migrations, the relationship patterns formed between the host society and immigrants are in the focus of attention of researchers. The transformative nature of migration brings with it important changes both in the countries of origin and in the host countries. In this context, one of the most prominent topics is the issue of harmonization/integration. Considering that the integration process is a reciprocal activity, the acceptance of foreigners by the local people is an important issue. This study, which was created with the title of integration as a starting point, aims to investigate the perception of the Turkish society regarding the integration of foreigners through the scale created based on John Berry's acculturation strategy theory. In the research, in which descriptive research and document analysis, which are among the qualitative research methods, were determined as methods, fieldwork was conducted in Fatih and Kadıköy districts of Istanbul with the structured interview technique. As a result of the research, it was concluded that the relationship between foreigners and Turkish citizens is limited and the existing relationship is superficial. In addition, it was found that the participants emphasized separation from acculturation strategies, did not find foreigners compatible, evaluated the integration process in an assimilationist direction, chose Turkish culture as the center and had an understanding of harmony in which other cultures were hierarchically at the bottom. The research points out that the issue of living together with foreigners in the long term is starting to emerge as a situation that is rejected by the majority of Turkish citizens. Key Words: İntegration, Acculturation Strategy, Assimilation, Separation, Perception