On February 6, 2023, an earthquake shook southern Turkey, near the Syrian border – a massive natural disaster with far-reaching impacts. A 7.8 magnitude quake, the largest Turkey has experienced in over 20 years, struck near Gaziantep—a critical area for both Syrian refugees and humanitarian organizations. This initial quake was followed nine hours later by a 7.5 magnitude aftershock, around 95 kilometers southwest of the epicenter, compounding the devastation across the region. The scale of destruction has underscored the immense challenges in post-disaster management, requiring an adaptive, long-term response to address the compounded needs of affected communities.
A new research project led by GDI researchers Professor Tim Jacoby and Dr Ibrahim Efe will explore such challenges by tracing the dynamic evolution of Turkey’s migration acquis in response to the Syrian refugee crisis, focusing on the perspectives of key migration and disaster management officials. With the expertise of migration specialists from the Presidency of Migration Management (GİB) and disaster response officers from the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the study analyses both the strategic development of Turkey’s migration policies and their practical adaptations in the aftermath of the February 2023 earthquakes.
In the first phase of the project, we will trace the historical development of Turkey’s migration acquis as it shifted to accommodate the unprecedented influx of refugees. This includes an examination of how policy frameworks evolved in response to international pressures, security concerns, and domestic socio-political factors, transforming Turkey into a host for one of the world’s largest refugee populations. Turkey’s approach, incorporating principles of voluntary return and safe zones in Syria, aligns with a global migration regime that increasingly prioritizes containment over long-term resettlement. Migration experts from the GİB offer insights into the policy decisions made at various stages of this evolution, revealing how Turkey navigated complex international expectations and local pressures to forge a flexible, yet occasionally contentious, migration policy.
In the second phase we will investigate the implementation and adaptation of these policies within the post-disaster environment, with a focus on practical insights from GIB experts and AFAD officers. Following the earthquakes, these policies encountered new challenges as AFAD’s role expanded to address the dual needs of disaster relief and coordination of resettlement efforts for refugees impacted by the disaster. This study captures how GIB migration experts and AFAD officers adapted migration policies in real-time, balancing the needs of local communities with those of Syrian refugees. Through their experiences, the research reveals how policies designed for stable contexts are recalibrated amid the pressures of a humanitarian crisis, highlighting the critical role of frontline implementers in managing both immediate relief and longer-term migration challenges.
Ultimately, the project presents a comprehensive analysis of Turkey’s migration policy as both a strategic framework and a field-level practice shaped by real-world crises, shedding light on the complexities and adaptive strategies that define migration governance in times of disaster.
Turkey’s approach to Syrian refugees has transformed significantly since the Syrian conflict erupted. Initially, Turkey embraced an open-door policy, allowing unrestricted entry for Syrians fleeing violence and persecution. This approach aligned with Turkey’s regional aspirations, portraying itself as a compassionate neighbour while advocating for international intervention to resolve the Syrian crisis. However, as the conflict extended and refugee numbers swelled, Turkey had to adapt its policies to manage this influx, gradually shifting from mere reception to more structured integration.
The initial open-door policy, though humanitarian in its intent, was unsustainable as the refugee population reached millions. Consequently, Turkey moved toward integrating Syrians into its socio-economic fabric, albeit within a framework of “temporary protection” rather than full refugee status. This meant that Syrians could access healthcare, education, and some employment opportunities, yet they lacked the rights and permanency that come with full legal status. Integration policies were met with mixed responses domestically, facing both support and growing societal friction, especially as economic pressures and anti-refugee sentiment rose.
In recent years, political and economic shifts have further transformed Turkey’s stance. Under increasing strain, Turkey began advocating for “voluntary return” as the preferred solution, promoting the idea of safe zones in Northern Syria to facilitate repatriation. However, the concept of voluntary return is complex and challenging to implement genuinely. For return to be voluntary, conditions in Syria must be safe and stable—a criterion that remains unmet in many regions. Moreover, many Syrians, especially those who have integrated into Turkish society, may be reluctant to return due to insecurity, lack of infrastructure, and limited livelihood opportunities in Syria.
Compounding these issues, there is the blurred line between voluntary and forced return. With reports of deteriorating living conditions, restrictions on movement, and selective deportations, it can be challenging for Syrians to genuinely exercise free choice regarding repatriation. This raises concerns about the sustainability of return efforts and the potential risks for Syrians forced back to unstable regions, highlighting the ethical and logistical difficulties Turkey faces in managing this complex situation.
About Dr. Ibrahim Efe
Dr. Ibrahim Efe holds both an MA and a PhD in Applied Linguistics from Lancaster University. He has previously worked at two state universities: first at the Middle East Institute of Sakarya University and then at Kilis 7 Aralık University, where he served as an Associate Professor of Politics and Public Administration. During his tenure at Kilis, he founded the University Research Centre for Migration Studies and established the MA program in Middle Eastern and Migration Studies. Currently a Senior Research Fellow at the Global Development Institute, University of Manchester, Dr. Efe has spent over a decade researching the complexities of forced migration along the Turkish-Syrian border. His work extends to active involvement in local policy-making, with a particular focus on refugee integration.His current research interests encompass migration management, policy implementation, and the integration of migrants and refugees, with a particular focus on identity, citizenship, and issues of belonging. Recent publications include: “Making Sense of Turkey’s Refugee Policy: The Case of the Directorate General of Migration Management,” published in Migration Studies and “Understanding the Internationalization of Turkish Higher Education through Discourse Analysis,” published in the Journal of Studies in International Education.
Note: This article gives the views of the author/academic featured and does not represent the views of the Global Development Institute as a whole.
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