Political Economy of Anti-Refugee in Turkey and Cyber-Racism

Abstract

In this study, the economic fundamentals of cyber racist rhetoric against the Syrian refugees in Turkey has been examined through the #suriyelilerdefolsun hashtag on Twitter platforms via thematic analysis. According to the findings, state aid, the Syrian refugees as the cause of the economic crisis, and the reaction the “rich” Syrians themes come to forefront. The cause of economic problems in Turkey are linked to the presence of Syrian refugees. The main reasons for the reaction can be listed as: health, food, education and salary assistance of the state for refugees; aid by race characteristics, cheap labor, Syrian employer, tax evasion, unskilled labor, insufficient housing / rent increase, inflaition increase, distinction of needs, and luxury. As a result, it can be said that the young Syrian male population became the target of the reaction in cyber racist discourses.