Syrian refugees struggle to integrate into Turkish society

• Turkey has become home to 2.3 million Syrians, making it host to the largest refugee population in the world.
• With opportunities in refugee camps limited, most have taken to cities in search of stability, but have found cultural barriers, few legal employment opportunities, limited healthcare access, and increasing resident suspicion.
• While the E.U. has drafted a proposal for funding assistance to Turkey, officials have mulled several options as integration has stalled, including establishing a safe zone in northern Syria to which refugees could return or refugee-only cities in Turkey.

“I regret coming here. If I can’t survive I’ll go back to Syria and die with dignity. We didn’t come to Turkey to be beggars.”

Read more:
“Tensions simmer as Turkey struggles with burden of refugees” (Reuters)
“Migrant crisis: EU plan offers more money for Turkey camps” (BBC)

(Image Credit: Murad Sezer/Reuters)