Pixels to Policy: Unravelling Refugee Integration in Urban Istanbul with Mobile Phone Data
Summary
In an era where traditional data sources fall short of capturing the intricacies of human mobility and settlement patterns, digital trace data, particularly from mobile phones, emerges as a pivotal resource for policymakers and humanitarians. This study underscores the imperative for policymakers to prioritise the welfare of migrants, especially refugees and asylum seekers, for the sustainable development of cities. By leveraging novel mobile phone extended detail records (xDRs), we delve into the social and economic conditions of Syrian and Afghan refugees in Istanbul, shedding light on their integration and segregation dynamics.
The examination of segregation indices such as dissimilarity and isolation over the day at an unprecedented granular level provides nuanced insights into the spatial distribution of migrant communities, offering policymakers a roadmap for targeted interventions. Additionally, employing behavioural analysis techniques, like that of eigenbehaviour analysis, enriches our understanding of the socio-economic determinants shaping refugee integration.
Our findings unveil the profound impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on mobility patterns, revealing a significant convergence of residential and workplace locations among the populace. Notably, we identify an ethnic enclave of Afghans in the Zeytinburnu district, emphasising the importance of understanding localised dynam- ics. Furthermore, our analysis exposes disparities in segregation between Syrians and Afghans, with Syrians exhibiting higher workplace segregation and Afghans experiencing greater residential segregation. Moreover, both groups demonstrate characteristic working-class work habits, underscoring the need for tailored social welfare and housing initiatives to foster inclusive urban environments. Interestingly, our study uncovers a notable trend: Syrians and Afghans tend to reside in areas primarily characterised by informal housing known as ‘Gecekondu’, reflecting the challenges faced by these communities in accessing formal housing options.
By bridging the gap between data-driven research and policy implementation, this study advocates for holistic approaches that address the multifaceted challenges faced by migrant populations. As cities continue to evolve as hubs of diversity and opportunity, prioritising the well-being and inclusion of refugees and asylum seekers is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic investment in the social and economic resilience of urban landscapes. Through innovative methodologies and interdisciplinary collaboration, we hope to pave the way for evidence-based policy that uphold the principles of equity, diversity, and sustainable development in the 21st-century urban paradigm.
This study is supported by European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under grant agreement No 870661.