Abstract

Turkey's changing policy toward Syria since the start of the Syrian uprisings in March 2011 has had major cultural, economic, social, and political implications for the people of the city of Hatay, which is located on the Turkey-Syria border and is home to people of diverse ethnicities and religions. This article explores how the problematic relations between Syria and Turkey following the uprisings in Syria have shaped perceptions of human security, examining in particular the impact of the discourse used and the policies followed by Turkey during the civil war in Syria on the security perceptions of the people of Hatay. It is suggested that Turkey's policy toward Syria and the resulting social, economic, and political repercussions for Hatay have fueled perceptions of insecurity for both Syrian refugees and the residents of the city.

Highlights

  • The concept of “human security” gained prominence after it was used in the 1994 Human Development Report of the United Nations Development Programme

  • Based on in-depth interviews1 with both local people and Syrian refugees living outside the refugee camps, and the diverse reports related to the situation in Hatay, this study argues that Turkey’s policies toward Syria have fueled feelings and perceptions of insecurity among both the Syrian refugees and the local people in the city

  • Turkey’s negative attitude toward the Syrian regime, as well as its sectarian policy based on the support of radical Sunni Islamists groups fighting against the Assad regime in Syria, has impacted Turkey-Syria relations but has had a disturbing influence on the peaceful environment of Hatay

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Summary

Introduction

The concept of “human security” gained prominence after it was used in the 1994 Human Development Report of the United Nations Development Programme. Based on in-depth interviews1 with both local people and Syrian refugees living outside the refugee camps, and the diverse reports related to the situation in Hatay, this study argues that Turkey’s policies toward Syria have fueled feelings and perceptions of insecurity among both the Syrian refugees and the local people in the city.

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