What should be the Turkish policy for latest immigrants and asylum seekers? OpEd
Over the past decade, refugees from Syria have sought sanctuary in our country, crossing our southern borders in droves. Among them, the more affluent and educated managed to swiftly secure visas and migrated to Western Europe and North America. However, tens of millions chose to remain here. Like immigrants in any other country, they initially worked in low-paying jobs to earn a living, to establish themselves, and to provide for their families. They formed communities, ghettos, and suburbs where they could sustain their own cultures. Today, such conglomerations can be found in the districts of Mamak, Keçiören, and Örnek in Ankara and in the neighborhoods of Fatih and Bağcılar in Istanbul.
To gain a deeper understanding, we can look at the experiences of other countries that have accepted immigrants. Following the conclusion of the British migration to the United States, immigrants from Ireland, Italy, and Eastern Europe poured in, subsequently replaced by individuals from the Middle East. After processing at the Ellis Island immigration station, they spread out across the vast lands of America, bringing with them their own knowledge, experiences, skills, and cultures. German immigrants, for example, conversed in German amongst themselves and published German magazines, books, and newspapers for a considerable period of time. Even today, there are communities in the state of Texas that still speak a form of German dating back to the 19th century. Over time, these German-origin residents inevitably learned English for communication and trade.
These immigrants had no chance to return; metaphorically speaking, they had burned their own ships before coming ashore. They had no elderly to care for and no obligations towards anyone. They had severed their ties and responsibilities to their old countries. To establish a firm footing in their new homelands, they had many children, learned the simplest jobs, enhanced their skills, and accumulated wealth for their families. After facing oppression in their native countries, they embraced their new countries wholeheartedly.
Australia saw a similar situation in the 18th century. The prisons of England were emptied and English, Scottish, and Irish convicts were shipped to the new lands where they forged new futures. They developed a strong, ethical, and orderly society amongst themselves.
This pattern was also evident in Canada and other colonies. Italians migrated to Argentina, Germans moved to Brazil, thus spreading their culture and values to different corners of the globe.
We must avoid rushing to negative conclusions. The largest group of immigrants in our country is from Syria, followed by Iraq, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Syrians came with their families and benefitted from our healthcare and social assistance facilities. They settled down, multiplied, found jobs, and even started businesses. They strived, and continue to strive, for success.
This population is unlikely to return. This realization might be challenging to accept, but over time, we must come to terms with it. We should not exclude these individuals; instead, we need to gradually integrate them into our society. Much like the hardworking people who came from Western Thrace, Crete, and Bulgaria and became a part of our community, we should adopt a similar approach towards the Syrian refugees.
Syria is home to an ancient civilization. It is the historical site where Western and Eastern cultures clashed, battled, and exchanged cultural values during the Crusades. Romans, ancient Greeks, ancient Egyptians, and Phrygians have all once roamed this land. Cities such as Damascus, Aleppo, Hama, Homs, Tartus, and Deir ez-Zor are remarkable historical sites, melting pots where human genes have intermingled.
While some might return to their homeland or migrate to more comfortable countries, the majority of immigrants and refugees will stay here. We must acknowledge this truth and build our future with this condition in mind.
To fully appreciate the current migration situation, we can delve further into the historical context. Migration has been a major driver of global change throughout human history. Consider the migration of European settlers to the Americas in the 16th and 17th centuries. This was a vast exodus from Europe that caused profound changes in both the Old and New Worlds. These settlers, drawn from many European countries, brought with them their languages, cultures, and technologies, which heavily influenced the development of their new lands.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Industrial Revolution in Europe led to the rise of cities and a demand for labor, resulting in another wave of migration. During this period, millions of people moved from rural areas to rapidly expanding urban centers. Later, many Europeans left their home countries entirely, driven by economic hardship, political instability, and persecution. They journeyed across the Atlantic to America, forever altering the demographics of that continent.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was the great Italian and Irish migrations to the United States that left an indelible mark on the nation's identity. Arriving in their millions, these immigrants transformed America's urban landscape and made enduring contributions to its culture, economy, and society. Entire neighborhoods in cities like New York, Chicago, and Boston became heavily Italian or Irish, affecting local traditions, politics, and even cuisine.
Turning to the Australian continent, the British established penal colonies in the 18th century, relocating thousands of convicts to the "Land Down Under". This harsh beginning forged a resilient and entrepreneurial spirit that is still evident in Australia today. Following this, the Gold Rush of the 1850s attracted a new wave of immigrants from across the globe, further diversifying Australia's population and culture.
These historical migrations highlight the complexity and potential of today's migration dynamics. The large influx of refugees from Syria and other regions into our country is not a phenomenon unique to our time or place. It is, instead, a part of the ongoing human story.
Like the immigrants of the past, Syrians in our country are eager to establish themselves, work hard, and contribute to their new society. Their experiences, cultures, and determination could enrich our society in ways we might not yet fully understand. History has shown us that migration can bring fresh ideas, drive innovation, and stimulate economic growth.
Indeed, we should also bear in mind the wealth of cultural heritage that these refugees bring. Syria is a cradle of civilizations, with a history stretching back thousands of years. Its people carry with them the traditions and knowledge of this ancient land, adding to the cultural richness of our nation.
In conclusion, we must remember that most of these immigrants are here to stay. This fact may initially be challenging to accept, but in time, we will learn to embrace this new reality. We should not push these people away, but rather, we should make concerted efforts to integrate them into our society, fostering mutual understanding and respect. We must recognize this reality, embrace it, and continue to build our future in this new context. This process may be complex and challenging, but it is also an opportunity for growth and enrichment. We must remember that our nation, like all nations, is a tapestry woven from many threads, each representing different people, cultures, and histories. The threads of the Syrian people are now a part of that tapestry.
Datça 2- July 2023
