The interplay of names: Immigration policies and human needs in the context of Syrians living in Türkiye under different labels

Abstract

This thesis examines the intricate lives of Syrians in Türkiye under shifting legal classifications, analyzing how immigration policies impact basic human needs. It argues that labels for displaced populations are not just bureaucratic tools, but powerful instruments of governance that deeply shape their identity, rights, and sense of belonging. The analysis uses the complementary perspectives of Michel Foucault's theories on power and discourse and Simone Weil's ethical framework. Drawing on Foucault's concepts of biopolitics and governmentality, the thesis examines how terms like "guest" and "temporary protection" have shaped perceptions of Syrians in Türkiye. Weil's concepts of rootedness and affliction provide an ethical lens to assess the human cost and spiritual harm of these policies. The study uses a qualitative method that combines Foucauldian discourse analysis with a Weilian ethical evaluation, drawing on legal documents, media reports, and academic research. This dual approach allows for an examination of both macro-level power dynamics and their immediate, often detrimental, effects on individuals. Findings show that Türkiye's refugee policies have worsened social and economic conditions, hindered integration, and harmed mental well-being, creating profound rootlessness and suffering. By combining Foucault's critique of power with Weil's ethics, this thesis argues that current refugee management practices are profoundly unethical. It concludes by advocating for a more just, human-centered approach that honors the dignity and needs of every displaced person.