Media Discussion on the Naturalization Policy for Syrians in Turkey

What is it about?

This study focuses on the public opinion on the naturalization policy for Syrians in Turkey. It analyses news media coverage in the religious, far‐right newspaper (Yeni Akit), a centre‐right newspaper (Hürriyet), a social democrat newspaper (Cumhuriyet), and a socialist‐left news portal (Solportal). The research question is: What are the metaphors, arguments, and omissions produced by media of different ideologies about the possible citizenship of Syrians in Turkey? The results show that metaphors and arguments differ according to ideological stance, suggesting that the current political polarization in Turkey affects the public's acceptance of Syrians and challenges Turkey's established migration policy. Each ideological stance accepts Syrians on a selective basis, implying that universal naturalization of Syrians is not welcome; instead, there seems to be consensus favouring naturalization according to socio‐economic criteria. The findings are discussed in terms of the potential of each ideological approach to challenge Turkey’s established migration policy. The results show that metaphors and arguments about naturalization policy differ according to ideological stance and closeness to the government, suggesting that the current political polarization affects the public’s acceptance of Syrians in Turkey. The conclusion focuses on the wider policy implications posed by the Turkish case.These results indicate a need for a change in migration policy, especially concerning disadvantaged Syrians.

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Why is it important?

The article is the first academic article investigating the media attitudes to naturalization and contributes to the growing literature of Syrian lives in Turkey. * The article provides a summary of historical development of migrant policy in the republican era, suggests an analytical classification of the practical logic of establishes migration policy making in Turkey. * It provides background information on the legal and political background contexts regarding the issue of naturalization as related to Syrian refugees in Turkey. It suggests an analytical discussion on the implications of temporary protection on naturalization, impacts of the current legislation around Turkish citizenship on the naturalization of Syrians. * It analyses news items in four different media outlets, representing different ideological stances, and investigates the metaphors, arguments and omissions within each stance. * It outlines the ways in which the Syrian question gets intertwined with domestic political debates in Turkey.