Turkish citizenship and limits of democratic participation for middle class Syrian refugees in Istanbul

• In Event: 40468 - Refugees, Forced Migrants, and Stateless Populations

Abstract

This paper examines the Turkish citizenship experiences of middle-class Syrian refugees who have lived in Istanbul for about a decade. While political citizenship is often linked to greater inclusion (Bloemraad et al., 2006; De Graauw & Leitner, 2015; Schönwälder, 2005), this study highlights a key gap: even after naturalization, middle-class Syrians in Turkey continue to face structural and social barriers to full participation. Their experiences challenge the assumption that legal status alone ensures integration, emphasizing how host-country policies interact with class and local dynamics. Since 2014, Turkey has granted citizenship to over 190,000 Syrians (Mülteciler Derneği, 2024), yet its naturalization policies remain ambiguous, particularly regarding rights and protections (Şimşek, 2018). The 2023 general elections intensified debates on Syrian naturalization, as political parties mobilized deportation narratives, heightening uncertainty about Syrians' place in Turkey. Through in-depth interviews with 31 Syrians across legal statuses, this research compares citizenship holders and non-holders, revealing how both groups perceive integration. Findings show that Syrians, regardless of citizenship, are discouraged from political participation due to Turkey’s political climate and societal attitudes. Alienation and lack of representation across political parties lead them to view political engagement as exclusive to Turkey-born citizens. Instead, their attachment to specific neighborhoods suggests that local governance provides more tangible integration opportunities. Beyond Turkey, these findings inform refugee policies in MENA and Global South countries where refugees arrive with temporary intentions but stay permanently. Given precarious legal frameworks and socio-political tensions, this study underscores the need for localized governance mechanisms that foster inclusion beyond formal citizenship, offering alternative pathways for sustainable integration.

Author

• Ezgi Karaoglu, Michigan State University