Leisure, migration and power: Syrian refugees in Istanbul

Tez Türü: Doktora

Tezin Yürütüldüğü Kurum: Yıldız Teknik Üniversitesi, Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü, Türkiye

Tez Danışmanı: Prof. Dr. Nalan Turna

Tezin Onay Tarihi: 2024

Tezin Dili: İngilizce

Özet:

The leisure activities of migrants, especially refugees, have been largely neglected in both migration and leisure studies. In order to contribute to this field, this dissertation focuses on the leisure activities of Syrian refugees in Türkiye and examines how these activities reflect power dynamics both among Syrians themselves and in their relations with Turkish society using a qualitative research methodology. The research data was collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews with 48 Syrian refugees, mostly living in Istanbul. These data were then analyzed with an interdisciplinary approach and in the light of a comprehensive literature review. The study identified and comparatively analyzed the leisure activities of Syrian refugees in both Syria and Türkiye. Furthermore, it also identified the leisure constraints faced by Syrian refugees in everyday life. It is found that Syrians have developed certain leisure activities due to these constraints. It is determined that Syrian refugees were most affected by structural constraints, followed by intrapersonal and interpersonal constraints. Moreover, it is found that there are variations in leisure activities among Syrian refugees depending on variables such as legal status, social class and gender. Finally, it was found that Syrian refugees have been subjected to certain practices of social distinction by the host society and have developed various tactics against these practices. The study underlines the positive role of leisure activities in the integration of refugees by pointing out that leisure activities are both an important tool for achieving integration and evidence that integration has taken place.