FROM TEMPORARY TO SEMI-PERMANENT ACCOMMODATION: GAZIANTEP’S TENT CITIES AND THE ONGOING NEEDS OF SYRIAN REFUGEES

Abstract

The world refugee population increases day-by-day, and countries are not prepared fromthis sudden and unexpected situation. It remains a mystery whether or when the problemwill end and refugees will be able to return to their homelands. Thus, as time passes by,it is becoming necessary for refugees to live in more stable and sustainable communities.Consequently, it is also necessary to obtain information regarding the nature of howthese communities should be and their ability to meet basic human needs andinternational standards. It is likewise significant to understand the sociologicalconditions of refugees’ former homes, e.g. culture, living situations, traditions, andlifestyles, as individuals’ satisfaction with their environment is essential to their socialand physical adaptation. Accordingly, the opinions of refugees living in Nizip refugeecamp were obtained in this study via the administration of a survey. Although the campwas comprised of areas dedicated to education, sports, and social activities, only onefifth of the individuals surveyed regarded these facilities as sufficient. They expressedthat the camp did not adequately address their social needs due to its location outsidethe city center, its economic inability to meet their social needs, and their long-termresidence in the same area.