Navigating Vulnerability in the Context of Resettlement: Syrian Youth in Türkiye

Pelin Kılınçarslan; Müge Dalkıran; Ahmet İçduygu

doi:10.25071/1920-7336.41721

Authors

Pelin Kılınçarslan Koç University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2534-8444
Müge Dalkıran Koç University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7249-288X
Ahmet İçduygu Koç University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8145-5888

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25071/1920-7336.41721

Keywords:

resettlement, vulnerability, youth, Türkiye, Syrian refugees

Abstract

This article explores vulnerability in the resettlement experiences and imaginaries of Syrian refugee youth (aged 18–35) in Türkiye, a group often excluded from conventional vulnerability frameworks. Based on in-depth interviews, it conceptualizes vulnerability as multi-faceted, spanning innate, structural, and situational dimensions. Findings show how shifting migration policies, politicization, and institutional barriers compound insecurities, shaping how youth imagine and pursue resettlement in a protracted refugee context. The study contributes to debates on vulnerability, youth migration, and the evolving possibilities of resettlement, and underlines the need for international policies and agreements that adopt context-sensitive approaches addressing structural and situational factors.

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Author Biographies

Pelin Kılınçarslan, Koç University

Pelin Kılınçarslan is a post-doctoral researcher at the Migration Research Center at Koç University (MiReKoc). She can be reached at pekilincarslan@ku.edu.tr.

Müge Dalkıran, Koç University

Müge Dalkıran is a post-doctoral researcher at the Migration Research Center at Koç University (MiReKoc). She can be reached at mdalkiran@ku.edu.tr.

Ahmet İçduygu, Koç University

Ahmet İçduygu is a full professor and the director of the Migration Research Center at Koç University (MiReKoc). He can be reached at aicduygu@ku.edu.tr.

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