Turkish Society Research Articles

Turkey Under Erdoğan: Investigating the Relationship Between Populism and Governance Quality Since 2013

Over the past decade, Turkish society and politics seem to have witnessed a populist turn. Events such as the suppression of the 2013 Gezi Park protests, the 2016 failed coup, the 2017 constitutional amendments that expanded presidential powers, the extensive influence over the judiciary, the deepened political polarization, the weakened mechanisms of political representation and mediation, the strengthening of plebiscitary relations, and the overall shift toward personalist rule have led numerous analysts of populism, as well as prominent media outlets like The Guardian, Bloomberg, The New York Times, and Foreign Policy, to label Erdoğan and the Justice and Development Party as “populists.” Accordingly, Turkey’s society and political system, particularly over the past decade, seems to have experienced a significant erosion of democratic values, norms, and institutions. Populist policies have challenged the quality of governance in the country. The main objective of this research, therefore, is to investigate the relationship between Erdoğan’s populist policies and governance quality from 2013 to 2023, utilizing critical approaches to populism and a combination of quality of governance indicators and “quality of democracy” dimensions. Statistical data is extracted from databases such as the World Governance Indicators, Varieties of Democracy Project, Freedom House, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, as well as The Legatum Prosperity Index. The research findings show that Erdoğan’s policies have had an adverse impact on the quality of governance and democratic values in the country during his second term in office since 2013, compared to the early years of coming to power.

Leisure in Turkish society: historical development, policy perspectives, and social structure

ABSTRACT The concept of leisure holds a significant place in individuals’ social lives, influenced by cultural, economic, and social structures. The perception and utilisation of leisure have varied across societies depending on their ways of life, production processes, and social structures. In Turkish society, the understanding of leisure has undergone various transformations throughout history. From the traditional and religiously oriented practices of the pre-Republican period to the state-driven policies of the Republican era, leisure has evolved in line with modernisation movements and contemporary approaches. This study examines the historical and social evolution of the concept of leisure in Turkish society, analysing its pre-Republican characteristics, the changes it underwent during the modernisation process of the Republican period within the framework of state policies, and its impact on the social structure throughout this transformation.

Biomedical ethical analysis of patients’ perspectives on posthumous reproduction in a gynecology and obstetrics clinic

BackgroundThis study explores the perspectives of patients attending a gynecology and obstetrics clinic in Türkiye regarding posthumous reproduction from a biomedical ethics standpoint. To examine the bioethical issues about the subject related surviving spouses and potential children may face.MethodsA cross-sectional and descriptive survey was conducted between May 1, 2023, and August 1, 2023. A total of 200 women visiting the Kırşehir Ahi Evran University Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic participated in face-to-face interviews. The survey comprised 20 questions aimed at evaluating participants' views on posthumous reproduction. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25 software, and the Chi-square test was applied, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.ResultsOf the participants, 59.5% opposed a woman having a child using a preserved embryo after her husband’s death, while 75.5% disapproved of a man having a child through a surrogate after his wife's death. Additionally, 55% supported a woman's reproductive rights in such cases, whereas 57% objected to a man exercising the same right. Concerns about the potential negative impact on children ranged from 50% to 57.5%. The majority believed that posthumous reproduction should only be ethically permissible if the deceased had provided explicit consent beforehand.ConclusionFindings indicate that perspectives on posthumous reproduction are influenced by social, cultural, and ethical considerations. Turkish society generally maintains a reserved and critical stance on this issue, with stronger opposition to male surrogacy. The ethical and legal implications of posthumous reproduction highlight the need for legal regulations and public awareness initiatives.

Young Turkish Adults Show a Continuing Positive Secular Change of Height But an Alarming Increase of Overweight in Males: Pilot Study for the Initiation of Updated Growth Charts.

Turkish growth reference charts are based on 1989-2002 data. Globally, positive secular trends in height have been observed, and updating growth charts every 20 years is recommended. Additionally, obesity is a rising health issue worldwide. This study investigates if there has been a further increase in young Turkish adults' mean height and BMI compared to previous national data (TK2002) and Turkish-origin young adults in the Netherlands. It also explores the association between adult height and BMI with socioeconomic status (SES) and geographical region. This cross-sectional study (2023-2024) included 217 females and 248 males, aged 18-26, voluntarily recruited from Istanbul University, representing all regions of Turkey. Height, weight, and SES were recorded. The top two SES groups were combined for analysis. Sample distribution aligned with Turkey's regional population distribution. Mean height was 1.8 cm taller in females (p=0.003) and males (p<0.001) compared to TK2002, and also taller (2.3 and 0.5 cm, respectively, p<0.001 and p=0.03) than in NL2009. BMI was significantly higher in males than in TK2002 and NL2009 (p<0.001). Final height of Turkish students increased by 1.8 cm in both sexes over two decades. Males' BMI was alarmingly high (58% overweight or obese). A population growth study to generate updated growth charts from birth to young adulthood and prevention programs to reduce obesity are needed.

THE IMPORTANCE OF HEALTHY AGING AND RELATED POLICIES IN OUR COUNTRY

This study aims to examine the importance of healthy aging and the existing policies related to it in Turkey. The elderly population in Turkey is rapidly increasing, making the health and care needs of elderly individuals increasingly significant. Healthy aging aims to enhance the quality of life by maintaining physical, mental, and social health. This research is based on findings from interviews with 16 professionals who evaluate strategies that promote healthy aging and the quality of elderly care services. The study presents the challenges faced by elderly individuals and offers suggestions to overcome these challenges. It emphasizes strengthening social support networks, encouraging active participation of elderly individuals in social life, and evaluating the effectiveness of existing policies. In this context, various recommendations for improving elderly care services and strategies for promoting healthy aging are discussed. The study aims to contribute to policy development processes concerning healthy aging and elderly care.

Islamic Restrictions and Limitations on the Use of ARTs in Türkiye

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) using reproductive organs and cells belonging to third parties are banned in some countries where Islam is recognized as the official religion. It is known that the most important reason underlying the prohibition of these practices both inside and outside the country is Islamic conservatism, which is an important feature of the religious views prevalent in Turkish society. It is understood that most of the relevant articles and studies in the literature deal with the approach of Islam and the Qur'an to ART practices. This article, examines some examples of different religious views and fatwas underlying this reproductive prohibition in Türkiye and abroad and categorizes them according to their approach to ART were aimed. It was found that these approaches are mostly in the form of opposition, acceptance, or conditional acceptance. This categorization and its specific contribution will provide a better understanding of the reasons for religious approaches to ARTs and their main arguments.

Turkish medical oncologists’ perspectives on integrating artificial intelligence: knowledge, attitudes, and ethical considerations

BackgroundIntegrating artificial intelligence (AI), especially large language models (LLM) into oncology has potential benefits, yet medical oncologists’ knowledge, attitudes, and ethical concerns remain unclear. Understanding these perspectives is particularly relevant in Türkiye, which has approximately 1340 practicing oncologists.MethodsA cross-sectional, online survey was distributed via the Turkish Society of Medical Oncology’s channels from October 16 to November 27, 2024. Data on demographics, AI usage, self-assessed knowledge, attitudes, ethical/regulatory perceptions, and educational needs were collected. Quantitative analyses were performed using descriptive statistics and graphics were generated using R v.4.3.1, and qualitative analysis of open-ended responses was conducted manually.ResultsOf 147 respondents (representing about 11% of Turkish oncologists), 77.5% reported prior AI use, mainly LLMs, yet only 9.5% had formal AI education. While most supported integrating AI into prognosis estimation, research, and decision support, concerns persisted regarding patient-physician relationships and social perception. Ethical reservations centered on patient management, scholarly writing, and research design. Over 79% deemed current regulations inadequate and advocated ethical audits, legal frameworks, and patient consent. Nearly all were willing to receive AI training, reflecting a substantial educational gap.ConclusionsTurkish medical oncologists exhibit cautious optimism toward AI but highlight critical gaps in training, clear regulations, and ethical safeguards. Addressing these needs could guide responsible AI integration. Limitations include a single-country perspective. Further research is warranted to generalize findings and assess evolving attitudes as AI advances.Trial RegistrationNot applicable due to cross-sectional survey design.

The effect of epilepsy awareness on attitudes toward individuals with epilepsy in Turkish society: A case study from Northern Turkey.

The aim of this study ws to examine the level of knowledge (awareness) about epilepsy in Turkish society and its impact on attitudes toward individuals with epilepsy. The study was designed as a descriptive and cross-sectional research. The sample consisted of individuals aged 18-70 (n = 563) in a city in northern Turkey, surveyed between January and June 2024. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, an Epilepsy Knowledge Scale (EKS), and a Public Attitudes Toward Epilepsy Scale (PATE). Simple linear regression analysis was employed to determine the effect of knowledge on attitudes. Participants' knowledge level was found to be moderate at 48.2%, while their negative attitude levels were low at 27%. It was determined that the level of knowledge about epilepsy has a significant negative effect on attitudes (F[1, 561] = 123.461; p < 0.001), with an explanatory rate (R2) of 0.180. The study identified a moderate level of knowledge and a low level of negative attitudes toward epilepsy in Turkish society. Furthermore, as the level of knowledge increased, negative attitudes toward individuals with epilepsy decreased. The study found that individuals in Turkish society have a moderate level of knowledge about people with epilepsy (PWE). It was determined that their negative attitudes are at a low level. As the level of knowledge about epilepsy increases in Turkish society, it was observed that the negative attitude toward PWE decreases. It was determined that women, those with higher incomes, and those who have encountered an PWE have more knowledge about epilepsy. It was also observed that those with higher incomes, those who are young or young adults, those who are single, and those who have witnessed an epileptic seizure have developed more positive attitudes toward PWE.

An Original Socialist Realist Novelist in the Context of the Approach to Religion in Modern Turkish Literature: Kemal Tahir

Rationalist thought and positivism, as observed in various Eastern societies, led to significant upheavals in Turkish society concerning entrenched beliefs about the relationship between humanity and the world. These upheavals can be traced through the modernization efforts of the Tanzimat (Reorganization) period (between 1839 and 1896, the period of modernization and renewal in the Ottoman Empire). Although the initial generation of writers and poets during this period did not overtly renounce their connections to tradition, by the onset of the 20th century, a critical perspective towards traditional and religious content in both poetry and novels became evident. In its formative stages, Turkish socialist novels, which evolved under the influence of Russian socialism, were shaped by the classical Marxist interpretation of religion. Consequently, the socialist realist Turkish novel developed a more original character and distanced itself from stereotypical judgments. Kemal Tahir, who occupies a significant role in the realm of Turkish socialist novels, offers insights into the position and function of faith within society, as he transitioned from the classical Marxist paradigm towards a more original understanding. This study investigates the alterations in religious approaches during the Westernization process within Turkish literature and assesses the reflections of this transformation in the novels of Kemal Tahir (1910–1973), one of the preeminent figures of the socialist realist Turkish novel.

Cultural adaptation and psychometric validation of the Turkish MIND diet adherence scale for young adults

BackgroundThe MIND diet, which promotes brain health, has a potential role in preventing cognitive decline. To further establish its applicability, it is essential to validate the MIND Diet Adherence Scale in different populations with diverse dietary habits, including Turkish young adults.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the construct validity, internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the Turkish version of the MIND diet assessment tool in the Turkish population.MethodsA total of 310 individuals aged between 19 and 39 (mean age 25.0 ± 5.1) voluntarily participated in this study. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, incorporating socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, the MIND Diet Adherence Scale, and the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Scale. Both exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the MIND Dietary Adherence Scale were performed. In the CFA, the goodness of fit of the hypothesized model to the observed data was evaluated using a range of fit indices.ResultsThe study determined an adequate sample size (KMO = 0.67), with sufficient item correlations for factor analysis (χ2 = 449.74; p < 0.001). Confirmatory factor analysis and goodness-of-fit indicators supported the fit of the two-factor model to the Turkish data. The Cronbach’s alpha internal consistency coefficient for the MIND Diet Adherence Scale was 0.61. All items in the scale exhibited a positive correlation with the total score, exceeding 0.40. Furthermore, a substantial positive correlation was observed between the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Scale and the MIND Diet Adherence Scale.ConclusionsThe Turkish adaptation of the MIND Diet Adherence Scale can be utilized in its entirety, without the need to remove any items. This study affirms that the MIND Diet Adherence Scale is a valid and reliable measurement tool for assessing dietary habits in Turkish society.

THE PIONEERS OF THE BULGARIAN REVIVAL ON THE PAGES OF THE TURKISH MAGAZINE “SHEHBAL”

At the beginning of the 20th century, the idea of ​​developing the Ottoman Empire according to the Western model became more and more relevant. An important role in spreading the idea of ​​modernization of Turkish society played the increasing number of newspapers and magazines, as a result of the liberalization of the press after the adoption of the Second Constitution in 1908. Among them, the most popular one is the illustrated magazine “Shehbal”, published in Istanbul by the famous musicologist, rightist and intellectual Husein Saadedin Arel (1880-1955). The main goal of the magazine is to raise the cultural level of the general readership and to promote the modernization of the country. For this purpose, the magazine covers a wide range of topics on: art, philosophy, medicine, technology, women's rights and other civil rights, social and scientific topics, which are mainly borrowed from the West. Foreign and native literature, as well as literary criticism, also have a central place. Two literary-critical articles: “Bulgarian writers and Bulgarian literature. Paisios - the first historian and writer” and “Bulgarian writers and Bulgarian literature. Followers of Paisios”, written by Husein Arif, published in numbers 97 and 99 (1914) of the magazine are the subject of the analysis in this paper. Here we attempt to study the role of the pioneers of the Bulgarian revival in the processes of the awakening of the Bulgarian national self-consciousness and the Bulgarian language and literature, as well as their influence on the Turkish readership.

INVESTIGATION OF THE PERCEPTIONS AND EXPECTATIONS OF ELDERLY INDIVIDUALS LIVING AT HOME REGARDING NURSING HOMES: THE CASE OF ZONGULDAK

This study aims to examine the perceptions and expectations of elderly individuals living at home regarding nursing homes. The increasing elderly population in Turkey highlights the importance of elderly care services and necessitates an understanding of the social, economic, and cultural factors shaping perceptions of nursing homes. While elderly individuals were traditionally cared for within the family structure, modernization has brought nursing homes forward as an alternative care model. Therefore, exploring the perceptions and experiences of elderly individuals living at home regarding nursing homes has gained significance. The study adopts a phenomenological design, one of the qualitative research methods, and conducts in-depth interviews with 16 elderly individuals selected through criterion sampling. Participants are individuals aged 65 and over, living at home, and with no prior experience in nursing homes. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the descriptive analysis method. Findings indicate that the majority of elderly individuals perceive nursing homes as a last resort, prioritize family care, and consider nursing homes inconsistent with cultural values. However, some participants viewed nursing homes as an option providing professional care and independent living. Participants emphasized that biases against nursing homes are reinforced by media and societal perceptions, that state-supported care services are insufficient, and that home care models should be further promoted. Additionally, recommendations were made to organize activities that enhance social interaction in nursing homes and to develop alternative models that promote a more active lifestyle for the elderly. Accordingly, it is necessary to change the negative perceptions of nursing homes, diversify elderly care policies, and improve the quality of nursing home services. The study’s findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners in developing elderly care services.

‘May He/She Rest in Lights’: Reflection on Wishes in Funerary Folklore

In Turkish-Islamic culture, it is customary to convey blessings to the deceased, reflecting a broader spiritual framework that links death, memory, and the afterlife. One frequently employed expression is the phrase: “May he/she rest in light.” This notion, which draws on theological imagery rooted in Surah An-Nur of the Qur'an, is manifested symbolically in funerary culture through the motif of the oil lamp. During the Ottoman period, Nur—understood as divine light—was commonly represented on gravestones in the form of oil lamps. In the Republican era, this symbolic representation appears to have undergone a transformation, with electric lighting gradually supplanting earlier visual forms. This study also situates contemporary grave-lighting practices within this historical trajectory, analyzing modern examples such as solar-powered lamps and illuminated grave markers. These practices not only reflect technological adaptation but also the enduring resonance of light as a metaphor for divine presence and remembrance. From a broader historical and mythological perspective, the significance of light predates Islam in Turkish belief systems. In early Turkic cosmologies, light was closely associated with Tengri, the Sky God, and served as a symbol of divinity, transcendence, and cosmic order. Within this context, the lighting practices carried out by family elders can be interpreted as acts of care and devotion, intended to ensure that the deceased would rest in light—both metaphorically and literally. Drawing on ethnographic observations and visual documentation collected by Ali Işık in cemeteries in Konya, this article examines how such traditions continue to embody deep-rooted cultural meanings. Additionally, the study investigates the layered semantic and symbolic dimensions of the term Nur as it appears in grave inscriptions. The term is analyzed in relation to its associations with divine illumination, Qur’anic enlightenment, and the light of divine mercy and forgiveness. These meanings underscore the complex role that Nur plays in Turkish-Islamic commemorative culture. The symbolic representation of the deceased as either resting in light or ascending into a radiant afterlife is also addressed, revealing how metaphysical beliefs are visually and ritually articulated. In conclusion, the article reflects on the cultural and emotional significance of these practices for mourning families, and highlights their continued relevance in shaping contemporary commemorative rituals and understandings of the afterlife in Turkish society.

Evaluation of Treatment Response in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients Receiving Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir/Voxilaprevir: A Multicenter Real-World Experience from Türkiye

The combination of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir (SOF/VEL/VOX) is recommended as a salvage therapy for treatment-experienced chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients. However, it is used in our country for treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced patients. This study aims to present real-world data from Türkiye on CHC patients treated with SOF/VEL/VOX. The present study was conducted by the Viral Hepatitis Study Group of the Turkish Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (KLİMİK). It was a multicenter, retrospective, observational study. The data were collected from patients receiving SOF/VEL/VOX therapy at 12 medical centers in Türkiye between 1 June 2022 and 31 December 2024. The patients had received the treatment for 8 to 12 weeks. Of the 139 patients enrolled, 63.3% (n = 88) were male, with a mean age of 54.4 years. Most patients were non-cirrhotic (94.2%, n = 131) and treatment-naïve (92%, n = 128); 49.6% (n = 69) were infected with genotype 1b. Early virologic response (EVR) could be assessed in 126 patients, with an EVR rate of 82.5% (n = 104). End-of-treatment data were available for 113 patients, all achieving an end-of-treatment response. Among the 80 patients for whom week-12 post-treatment data were available, 97.5% sustained virologic response at week 12 (SVR12). Significant improvements were observed in AST, ALT, and platelet levels, along with reductions in APRI and FIB-4 scores (p = 0.001).” No serious adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation were reported. Mild adverse events included pruritus (2.1%, n = 3), fatigue (2.1%, n = 3), and nausea (1.4%, n = 2). The SOF/VEL/VOX combination is a highly effective and well-tolerated treatment option in treatment-naïve CHC patients, achieving an SVR12 rate of 97.5%.

ERDOĞAN'S TURKEY: BETWEEN THE DREAM OF DEMOCRACY AND THE AUTHORITARIAN TEMPTATION

Over the past two decades, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has profoundly reshaped Turkey’s political and social landscape, influencing the country more than any leader since Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the modern republic. Becoming prime minister in 2003 and president in 2014, Erdoğan was initially praised for his economic reforms and negotiations with the European Union, positioning Turkey as a model of democracy in the Islamic world. However, his path has been marked by an authoritarian drift, characterized by control over the press, undermining the independence of the judiciary, and suppressing the opposition. The 2016 coup attempt accelerated the consolidation of power, transforming the presidency into a dominant executive role. A recent example is the 2025 arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, on terrorism and corruption charges, which triggered massive protests and criticism from the European Union and Western allies. This paper analyzes how Turkey under Erdoğan evolved from a promising democracy to an authoritarian regime, examining the role of the instrumentalization of Islam and political repression. By exploring the historical context, the stages of the regime’s evolution, and the impact on democracy, the paper investigates the tension between the democratic aspirations of Turkish society and the authoritarian temptation that defines the country’s present.

Psychometric Properties of the Turkish Version of the Compassion Motivation and Action Scales in a Community-Based Population.

To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Compassion Motivation and Action Scales (CMAS). The study had a methodological design and involved 433 participants aged 18 to 64. The translation validity of the CMAS was evaluated by 10 experts, and content validity indices were computed. The factor structure of the CMAS was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Pearson product-moment correlation was used to test convergent validity, and Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's ω coefficients were used to test internal consistency and reliability. Both the compassion and self-compassion scales of the CMAS showed excellent translational validity. CFA confirmed the three-factor structure of the compassion and self-compassion scales of the CMAS. The CMAS has demonstrated good validity and reliability in adult individuals in Turkish society. The CMAS can be used to assess and follow up on compassionate action and motivation in adult individuals.

Investigation of Avian Reovirus Evolution and Cross-Species Transmission in Turkey Hosts by Segment-Based Temporal Analysis

Avian reovirus (ARV) has emerged as an important pathogen in turkeys, causing economic losses through tenosynovitis, necrotizing hepatitis, immunosuppression, and enteric disease. Despite its ubiquity, the evolutionary history of ARV cross-species transmission among chickens, turkeys, and wild birds remains poorly understood, hindering effective control and surveillance. This study investigates ARV temporal phylogenetics with an emphasis on interspecies transmission in turkeys. Whole genome sequences (WGSs) from seventy-seven turkey cases and one quail case at the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, along with 74–136 segment sequences per gene from GenBank (1970–2023), were analyzed. Temporal phylogenetic analyses identified chickens as the ancestral host, with spillover into turkeys beginning in the mid-20th century, followed by stable transmission within turkey populations. Migration analyses revealed predominantly unidirectional transmission from chickens to turkeys. WGS analyses showed high variability in the M2 and σC-encoding region of the S1 segment, suggesting selective pressure on outer capsid proteins. M2, S1 σC, and L3 had the highest substitution rates, implicating their role in adaptation and antigenic diversity. These findings highlight the complexity of ARV evolution across hosts and underscore the need for robust genotyping schemes and surveillance strategies to mitigate outbreaks in poultry.

What the Media Doesn’t See: Afghan and Syrian Labor in Turkey

This study examines the portrayal of Afghan and Syrian migrants in Turkish media, focusing on the socio-economic and ideological dimensions of this representation. Through content analysis, the research highlights how media narratives often associate these migrants with crime and security concerns while overlooking their economic contributions, particularly in the informal labor market. The study underscores how such portrayals contribute to the marginalization and exclusion of migrants, perpetuating institutional racism. By critically analyzing these media depictions, the study calls for more balanced reporting and inclusive policy measures that recognize the contributions of migrant workers to Turkish society.

Analyzing the Criticism of the Capitalist System in the Footsteps of Marxist Economic Thought through the Film Germany, Bitter Homeland

European countries, devastated after the Second World War, began to demand workers from the world's developing countries with young populations to regain the workforce they lost in the war. One of the countries in demand for workers is Turkey, which has a high young population rate. Thus, an intense wave of external migration occurred in Turkey, driven by social and economic concerns. Cinema films mostly contain reflections of the current social and economic context, the system of production relations, and social values. Germany, Bitter Homeland deals with themes such as the sociological adventure of external migration and the problems experienced by the people of Turkey at the crossroads of international migration, and the issues of capitalist system, labor exploitation, commodification of labor, gender, cultural conflict, alienation, within the integrity of the filmic narrative, on the theme of Marxist economics and philosophy. Through qualitative analysis, the study investigated which aspects of the film dealt with these facts, and it was concluded that the film successfully conveyed these issues to the audience.

The Effects of Attitudes Towards Immigrants on Fear of Terrorism in Türkiye

Two prominent subjects in recent years that have captivated the Turkish public are immigration and terrorism. The profound migration crisis in Türkiye, coupled with a surge in terrorism-related crimes, has forged a substantial association between immigrants and terrorism in the perception of many Turkish people. Along these lines, although there are many academic studies of the relationship in Europe between immigrants and the fear of terrorism, the number of academic studies focusing on Türkiye is insufficient. For this reason, in this study, we use the seventh wave of the World Values Survey (WVS) to focus on the statistical relationship between the fear of terrorism and the view of immigrants in Türkiye. As shown by regression analysis, the rise in fear of terrorism in Türkiye also increases negative attitudes towards immigrants. However, since the results based only on the quantitative regression analysis do not provide in-depth information, we support the quantitative results with face-to-face interviews. In line with the results of the regression analysis, in the interviews, we find that one of the critical factors that increased participants' fear of terrorism is the immigrants who came to Türkiye in recent years.