Settlement Problems of Immigrants and Solution Suggestions Discussed at International Migration Seminar
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The settlement and social adaptation processes of immigrants in Turkey were discussed at the International Migration Seminar held at our University. At the seminar, spatial, social and legal dimensions of migration were discussed by experts.
The International Migration Seminar organized by the Department of Sociology and the Sociology Society of our University was held at Sütlüce Campus. The spatial and social dimensions of the phenomenon of migration were discussed by experts in the field in the seminar organized under the title of Migrant’s Problem of (in)settlement and Different Social Dynamics. The seminar was moderated by Prof. Dr. Mustafa Poyraz from the Department of Sociology at Istanbul Commerce University. The event was followed by students, academicians and guests.
SOCIAL EFFECTS OF MIGRATION
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Poyraz drew attention to the profound effects of migration on individuals and societies. Referring to the transformation process experienced by immigrants between their old and new identities, Prof. Dr. Poyraz stated that economic, social and political dynamics are decisive in the migration process. Emphasizing that migration is becoming increasingly complex on an international scale, Prof. Dr. Poyraz stated that theory and practice should be considered together in order to understand the phenomenon of migration.
THE STRUGGLE OF AFGHAN MIGRANTS IN TURKEY
The first speaker of the seminar was French anthropologist Leo Lefort, who spoke on the topic “From Guesthood to Indigeneity? Uncertainties in the Movement Space of Afghan Migrants in Istanbul” focused on the daily life of Afghan migrants in Turkey, their legal status and social adaptation processes. Lefort drew attention to the risks Afghan migrants face on their migration routes and the isolation Afghan migrants experience due to legal uncertainties and economic difficulties.
EXAMPLES OF MIGRATION AND INTEGRATION FROM ESENYURT
The second speaker of the seminar was Songül Demirel, Expert Sociologist from Esenyurt Social Service Center of the Ministry of Family and Social Services. In her speech titled “Immigrant’s Attachment to the Place and Neighborhood Relations”, Demirel shared her observations in the field and shared positive examples of how Syrian immigrants adapt to the place and the social relations they establish with Turks, especially in Esenyurt. Drawing attention to the fact that Esenyurt is a region where poor people and citizens coming from internal migration are concentrated, Demirel stated that Syrian migrants have formed solidarity networks with their Turkish neighbors and integrated into the urban fabric over time.
INTEGRATION STARTED TO BE SEEN
Demirel stated that problems such as education and housing pose great difficulties in the integration process of migrants, but that these problems have been overcome over the years. Demirel said that Syrian and Turkish neighbors have started to adapt through common cultural elements, adding, “Cultural exchange is of great importance in the process of integration of migrants into society.”
SPACE AND THE PROCESS OF MIGRANTS’ PERMANENCE
The last speaker of the seminar, Assoc. Prof. Dr. İhsan Çetin from Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University, Department of Sociology, discussed the spatial settlement processes of immigrants with his presentation titled “Socio-Spatial Dimension in the Process of Localization and Permanence of Immigrants”. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çetin stated that immigrants do not only create a physical presence in the places they settle, but also develop a sense of belonging to that place by leaving cultural traces. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çetin stated that factors such as low rents and social solidarity lead immigrants to cluster in certain areas, adding, “These clusters can also bring with them the risk of social separation and ghettoization.” The seminar ended with a question-answer session.
