Exceptional Citizenship for Syrians in Turkey: A Case Study

Strategic Insights -

Turkey's decision to naturalize selected Syrians between 2016 and 2024 has sparked controversy and raised questions about the role of crisis in shaping citizenship governance in the country. Researchers from Erasmus University conducted a study to examine two questions: what role has crisis played in shaping the scope of changes introduced, and how will Turkey's exceptional citizenship for Syrian refugees reshape citizenship governance in Turkey? The study employed a multi-method approach and analyzed policy documents, political discourse, and 33 interviews with Syrian applicants.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Syrian crisis opened a policy window, allowing the Turkish government to craft an ambiguous "exceptional citizenship" scheme in 2016.
  • The program operates under ambiguous conditions through selective invitations, fast-tracked processing, and opaque eligibility criteria.
  • The study found that the scheme faces fierce resistance from opposition parties and the public, and its long-term impact remains uncertain.
  • The researchers employed three conceptual lenses: crisis, grey zones, and policy windows, within a historical institutionalist framework and refugee citizenship politics perspective.
  • The study highlighted the complexities of refugee citizenship policies and the need for a nuanced approach to governance.
  • The case of Turkey's exceptional citizenship for Syrians offers insights into the challenges of Hosting large numbers of refugees for extended periods.

Statistics:

  • 2016-2024: The period during which Turkey naturalized selected Syrians.
  • 33: The number of interviews with Syrian applicants conducted as part of the study.
  • 2-4 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon OX14 4RN, Oxon, England: The address of Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd.
  • 2025;23(3):450-468: The page numbers and volume information for the Journal of Immigrant & Refugee Studies.

Sources:

  • Governance of Citizenship In Turkey: Exceptional Citizenship for Syrians Amidst a Protracted Refugee Crisis. Journal of Immigrant & Refugee Studies, 2025;23(3):450-468.
  • NewsRx. Findings from Erasmus University Broaden Understanding of Immigrant and Refugee Studies (Governance of Citizenship In Turkey: Exceptional Citizenship for Syrians Amidst a Protracted Refugee Crisis). Politics & Government Week. August 28, 2025; p 71.