Media Discussion on the Naturalization Policy for Syrians in Turkey

Abstract

This study focuses on the public opinion on the naturalization policy for Syrians in Turkey. It analyses news media coverage in the religious, far‐right newspaper (Yeni Akit), a centre‐right newspaper (Hürriyet), a social democrat newspaper (Cumhuriyet), and a socialist‐left news portal (Solportal). The research question is: What are the metaphors, arguments, and omissions produced by media of different ideologies about the possible citizenship of Syrians in Turkey? The results show that metaphors and arguments differ according to ideological stance, suggesting that the current political polarization in Turkey affects the public's acceptance of Syrians and challenges Turkey's established migration policy. Each ideological stance accepts Syrians on a selective basis, implying that universal naturalization of Syrians is not welcome; instead, there seems to be consensus favouring naturalization according to socio‐economic criteria. These results indicate a need for a change in migration policy, especially concerning disadvantaged Syrians.

Demographic Data on Syrians in Turkey: What do we know?

“…Therefore, integration of Syrians into the host society stands out as a significant issue for Turkey. Şimşek () argues that the current “temporary” state may in fact discourage Syrians from wishing to integrate to host society, and Atasü‐Topçuoğlu () underlines that naturalization would give the rights of people under temporary protection a permanent nature. The AFAD survey from 2013 showed that five per cent of camp and eight per cent of non‐camp population stated that they did not wish to return to Syria; yet these proportion increased to 16 per cent overall in the 2017 AFAD survey.…”

“…According to Şengül (), the director of the Turkish Red Crescent reported that they had received briefs from Prime Minister Erdogan that the term “guests” be used, and not “migrants” or “refugees”. Atasü‐Topçuoğlu () underlines that this word selection stemmed from the short‐term view of the problem. Seeing the crisis persisting, the Ministry of Interior declared a temporary protection regime in October 2011 that warranted non‐refoulement (Şimşek, ).…”

“…MP Uslu emphasized that there was no path from temporary protection to citizenship; and those who obtained this status were legal aliens before (Sputnik News, ). Yet, Atasü‐Topçuoğlu () underlines the exception in the Turkish Citizenship Law, which suggests that citizenship can be granted for those who do not meet the requirements through the approval of the Council of Ministers; implying citizenship is theoretically possible for all Syrians in Turkey.…”

Framing Syrians in Turkey: State Control and No Crisis Discourse

“…Another significant theme in the domain of media representation is the politicization of the refugee issue. Atasü‐Topçuoğlu (2019) argues that the current political polarization in Turkey affects the public’s willingness to accept the presence of Syrians. Consequently, the metaphors and arguments used in Turkish newspapers differ according to ideological position.…”

“…20. 20. It is important to note that Atasü‐Topçuoğlu (2019) presents Hurriyet as a “centre‐right” newspaper. Here, we categorize Hürriyet before 2018 as “mainstream” in comparison with the other two major newspapers in Turkey, that is Sabah being pro‐government and Cumhuriyet being opposition.…”