A Comparative Study on Social Perceptions Towards Syrians Living in Şanlıurfa and Ankara

Abstract

This study examines the social perceptions of Syrians under temporary protection in the Turkish cities of Şanlıurfa and Ankara, which host significant Syrian populations. Şanlıurfa, with approximately 273,000 Syrians, and Ankara, with around 90,000, were selected due to their differing cultural, linguistic, and geographical contexts. Using a quantitative research method, data were collected from 500 participants—300 from Şanlıurfa and 200 from Ankara—through 400 face-to-face interviews and 100 telephone surveys. The survey, consisting of 28 five-point Likert scale questions, aimed to capture the local population’s attitudes toward the integration of Syrians, focusing on aspects such as education, cultural proximity, and forced repatriation. The findings revealed significant regional differences. In Şanlıurfa, societal acceptance of Syrians was largely influenced by religious, ethnic, and cultural proximity, particularly regarding access to education. In contrast, respondents in Ankara demonstrated a more negative attitude toward these factors. Furthermore, a clear divide emerged in views on the forced return of Syrians, with Şanlıurfa showing higher tolerance and Ankara favoring repatriation under certain conditions. These results underscore the importance of localized studies in understanding the nuanced public perceptions of refugee communities