Immediate and Future-Oriented Tactics of Syrian Students in Istanbul as an Integrational Bridge between the Past and Future

Abstract

This study mainly analyses the power relations between native Turks and Syrian students in the public spaces of Turkey. The bulk of the literature sees migrants as passive victims who face exclusion and discrimination. However, this research not only sees migrants as active agents in power relations, but also examines both present and future constructions of migrants. Drawing on in-depth interviews and participant observation of 30 Syrian students in Istanbul, I show how these students produce immediate and future-oriented tactics. While immediate tactics exist to provide temporary protection in daily relations, the migrants also have long-term solutions for the future with their “make a difference” capacity based on the resources they have. In this regard, “future-oriented tactics” not only protect against discrimination but also offer a means of long-term integration into society. This is an important contribution to migration studies in terms of power relations.