by Martin Aslan
For as long as the world has existed, people have constantly moved from their place of birth to other regions, whether near, far, or even very far away. With the acquisition of knowledge, discoveries, and inventions, the possibility of travel has become more accessible, while simultaneously expanding the limits of mobility. The development of technologies enabling movement by land, sea, and air has provided us with the means to fulfill our desire to migrate.
Curiosity and the need for growth were the primary motivations for those who embarked on the discovery of new worlds. However, some members of these adventurous populations were forced into exodus across the oceans. This was the case for convicts, given a kind of 'second chance,' or for slaves, subjected to 'an obligation.' The distinction between chosen, forced, or coerced migration is difficult to measure during the period of the New World's discovery. However, we can observe that the drive for discovery was largely motivated by a need for growth. Over time, migration evolved into a broader phenomenon, characterized by the shift from primarily voluntary migration to migration driven by necessity.
Today, when discussing migration, it is the causes rather than the reasons that define the situation. These causes include poverty, war, and climate change. Such factors force people to leave their homeland out of an instinct for survival, often in the hope of returning one day. Depending on their circumstances and available resources, migrants seek refuge in neighboring countries or even on other continents. In recent decades, the number of displaced individuals has risen significantly. According to a report by the United Nations migration agency, the number of displaced people increased from 84 million in 1970 to 244 million in 2015 and 281 million in 2020, representing 3.6% of the world's population. The same report states that in 2015, more than 740 million people were displaced within their own country, mainly due to poverty, climate change, or natural disasters.
Migration gives rise to legal and social issues in host countries, which perceive migrant populations in different ways. Despite various classifications, there is no internationally recognized legal definition of migrants. Most bodies and organizations define migrants as individuals living outside their country of origin who are neither asylum seekers nor refugees. While migration is a reality, it is essential to distinguish between migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees. Refugees are people who have fled their country due to serious human rights violations and persecution. Their lives and safety are at risk, leaving them with no choice but to seek refuge in a place where they are no longer in danger, as their own state is either unable or unwilling to protect them. Refugees are entitled to international protection. Asylum seekers, on the other hand, are individuals who have left their country and are seeking protection from persecution and human rights abuses in another country but have not yet been legally recognized as refugees. They await a decision on their asylum application. The right to asylum is a fundamental human right.
Recent migration patterns have been marked by mass movements over short periods, particularly in Syria and Ukraine. While war is the common denominator in these cases, the nature of the migration differs. Within three years, 3 million Syrians fled their country. By 2022, according to UNHCR, this number had nearly doubled. Of these refugees, 65%—or 3.7 million people—found refuge in Turkiye. Lebanon, with an estimated population of 6.8 million, hosts 840,000 Syrian refugees, making it the second-largest host country. In contrast, the Ukrainian crisis saw a massive exodus in just a few months. Between February and May 2022, approximately 6 million Ukrainians sought refuge in European countries. Another key difference between the two situations is the demographic composition of the displaced populations. In Syria, the male-to-female ratio is relatively balanced, whereas in Ukraine, women and children make up 90% of the refugees. Although war drives these population movements, the social contexts of Syria and Ukraine differ significantly. Ukrainian men have stayed behind to fight against the Russian invasion, driven by the hope of victory and a return to normalcy. In contrast, for many Syrians, the prospect of returning home has faded, as life before the conflict has been largely forgotten. Time will reveal whether Ukrainians maintain their hope of returning.
The prospect of returning home is a critical question for displaced populations. However, studies show that when displaced individuals remain in a location for more than two years, they often settle both physically and psychologically, reducing the likelihood of return. While some Ukrainians have already returned to their home regions, this has not been the case for Syrian refugees in Turkiye. After nearly a decade in exile, Turkiye’s President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has implemented measures to encourage the return of Syrian refugees, despite the ongoing conflict. The political stance of host countries is shaped by social contexts and public pressure. In Turkiye, religious solidarity within the Muslim community is increasingly overshadowed by growing anti-migrant sentiment, exacerbated by socio-economic challenges. This issue is now being exploited for political purposes, extending beyond national debates and serving as a hybrid weapon in broader geopolitical struggles.
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