Networks at Work - Syrians integrating in Istanbul

Abstract

Since the Syrian revolt started in 2011, around 4 million Syrians sought refuge in neighbouring countries. Turkey is currently hosting over 1.8 million Syrians, of which only 13% reside in refugee camps. The remainder resides in urban areas. Istanbul is top of the list, by hosting 300.000 refugees. This puts a growing pressure on the society. Integration is bound to happen, as the prospects of returning home becomes less likely. To be able to maximize the benefits of hosting such a big population, it is essential to learn about the ways in which Syrians integrate. This study explores how Syrians start building up their life in Istanbul and what role social networks play in this process of integration. Integration in Istanbul is based on four pillars, namely housing, employment, education and healthcare. Integration is studied in three stages: 1. Initial motivation of Syrians to come to Istanbul, 2. Integration in Istanbul and 3. Future aspirations of Syrians. Refugees are upon arrival completely dependent on their social networks. Social networks are webs of interpersonal connections, comprised of relatives, friends and other acquaintances. Social networks can be used to explain integration. Social networks are the main information providers about a new destination. Internet greatly transformed communication ways between friends and family. Social media like Facebook and WhatsApp enable personal conversations between people abroad. Transnational connections can therefore motivate Syrians in Istanbul to keep going once they arrived. Upon arrival in Istanbul, the first thing Syrians do is contact their social network for job or housing opportunities. This is the way they are used to, as it is the same way as organizing their life in Syria. People without a network have a disadvantage in finding a house and a job. However, for finding education and a hospital, having a network is less relevant. Once the initial house or job is found, networking becomes a way to climb up the social ladder. New job and housing opportunities arise through meetings with colleagues and neighbours. In the fields of education and healthcare, it appears that being linked to an NGO network can ease the road of actual enrolment in a university or admission into a hospital. The choice of a future destination is dependent on both the social network, as well as political and economic opportunities. To conclude, a networking approach appears to be a successful tool to see how integration of Syrians in Istanbul happens.