A severe economic downturn in Turkey is making life difficult for the country's population of 3.7 million Syrian refugees. All photos: AFP
A severe economic downturn in Turkey is making life difficult for the country's population of 3.7 million Syrian refugees. All photos: AFP
Ahmad Ibrahim, 31 year-old, who came from Alepo, poses at his textile shop in Sanliurfa on May 17, 2022. - Turkey has fervently opposed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, backing rebels calling for his removal and opening its doors to refugees. But a new wave of economic turbulence, which has seen inflation spike and the value of the lira drop, has put Turkey's 3. 7 million Syrian population under enormous strain. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP)
Ahmad Ibrahim, 31 year-old, who came from Alepo, poses at his textile shop in Sanliurfa on May 17, 2022. - Turkey has fervently opposed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, backing rebels calling for his removal and opening its doors to refugees. But a new wave of economic turbulence, which has seen inflation spike and the value of the lira drop, has put Turkey's 3. 7 million Syrian population under enormous strain. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP)
Samira, 43, hears the same message from Turkish politicians on television day and night: Syrian refugees like her must return home. But her home near Damascus is still not safe, she says.
Samira, 43, hears the same message from Turkish politicians on television day and night: Syrian refugees like her must return home. But her home near Damascus is still not safe, she says.
Refugees fear they will be used as a scapegoat for Turkey's problems in the 2023 electoral campaign, as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan faces rising public anger over their presence.
Refugees fear they will be used as a scapegoat for Turkey's problems in the 2023 electoral campaign, as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan faces rising public anger over their presence.
Despite pressure from opposition parties, Mr Erdogan has promised that Turkey will not force Syrian refugees back and 'will not throw them into the lap of murderers'. But his assurances are not allaying their fears.
Despite pressure from opposition parties, Mr Erdogan has promised that Turkey will not force Syrian refugees back and 'will not throw them into the lap of murderers'. But his assurances are not allaying their fears.
Fatima Ibrahim, in her early 30s, married a Syrian refugee after fleeing to Turkey nine years ago. The economic fallout is hitting them equally as hard as the Turks, she said. 'Employers pay us less, so locals are annoyed, blaming us for accepting a wage less than theirs,' she said, sitting next to her three young sons.
Fatima Ibrahim, in her early 30s, married a Syrian refugee after fleeing to Turkey nine years ago. The economic fallout is hitting them equally as hard as the Turks, she said. 'Employers pay us less, so locals are annoyed, blaming us for accepting a wage less than theirs,' she said, sitting next to her three young sons.
Haifa, 39, English teacher from Aleppo, is fluent in Turkish after nine years here, and avoids speaking Arabic in public so as not to attract attention. 'I want to keep myself safe. Political issues affect us more than the economy,' she said.
Haifa, 39, English teacher from Aleppo, is fluent in Turkish after nine years here, and avoids speaking Arabic in public so as not to attract attention. 'I want to keep myself safe. Political issues affect us more than the economy,' she said.
Since 2016, the Turkish army has launched military operations in Syria, battling outlawed Kurdish militants and ISIS extremists.
Since 2016, the Turkish army has launched military operations in Syria, battling outlawed Kurdish militants and ISIS extremists.
Haifa said: 'Some people tell us 'go back to your country, you're having fun while our soldiers are dying there. You think it is easy to leave everything behind you? Your memories, your house, everything. You cannot even visit your mother or father's grave.'
Haifa said: 'Some people tell us 'go back to your country, you're having fun while our soldiers are dying there. You think it is easy to leave everything behind you? Your memories, your house, everything. You cannot even visit your mother or father's grave.'

MENA

Syrian refugees in Turkey left in limbo - in pictures

A severe economic downturn in Turkey has put the 3.7 million evacuees from its war-torn neighbour under enormous strain

The National

May 24, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

More from The National:

Turkey’s Erdogan issues threat of new military operation in Syria

Suspicious of Syrian migrants, Turkey may be taking a nativist turn

Turkey's President Erdogan clarifies controversial Syrian refugee plan after criticism

Turkey's President Erdogan unveils plan to return one million Syrian refugees

Why is Turkey waging a military operation against Kurdish militias in Iraq?

Easter%20Sunday
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Jay%20Chandrasekhar%3Cbr%3EStars%3A%20Jo%20Koy%2C%20Tia%20Carrere%2C%20Brandon%20Wardell%2C%20Lydia%20Gaston%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
While you're here
What is Reform?

Reform is a right-wing, populist party led by Nigel Farage, a former MEP who won a seat in the House of Commons last year at his eighth attempt and a prominent figure in the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union.

It was founded in 2018 and originally called the Brexit Party.

Many of its members previously belonged to UKIP or the mainstream Conservatives.

After Brexit took place, the party focused on the reformation of British democracy.

Former Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson became its first MP after defecting in March 2024.

The party gained support from Elon Musk, and had hoped the tech billionaire would make a £100m donation. However, Mr Musk changed his mind and called for Mr Farage to step down as leader in a row involving the US tycoon's support for far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson who is in prison for contempt of court.

On Women's Day
THE BIO

Occupation: Specialised chief medical laboratory technologist

Age: 78

Favourite destination: Always Al Ain “Dar Al Zain”

Hobbies: his work  - “ the thing which I am most passionate for and which occupied all my time in the morning and evening from 1963 to 2019”

Other hobbies: football

Favorite football club: Al Ain Sports Club

 

Updated: May 24, 2022, 11:12 AM
PhotographyTurkeySyria