REGIONAL ANALYSE OF TOLERANCE LEVEL OF ÇANAKKALE AGAINST FOREIGN MIGRANTS

Abstract

The great migration activities through history affect both immigrants and the countries which accept the immigrants. These migrations called human based disaster because they cause large scaled death. Turkey had to face huge migration waves from Syria since the beginning of the civil war in 2011. However, Turkey has a geopolitical role that is being a bridge between less developed countries and Europe. This role makes it a transit country for immigrants. Because of the restrictions of European Union against immigrants, Turkey becomes a last station for transit passing immigrants. This situation involves higher risks for economical and sociological structure of Turkey. There is a gap in literature about measuring the immigrant accommodation capacity of a region by its own capability. Also there is not enough study that shows the risks that region has to face when it has overcapacity immigrants. The main aim of the study is trying to fill up this gap in literature. Çanakkale is one of the closest city to Europe which is also on the transit migration route of international immigrants. Additionally, it is a favorite destination for immigrants with its nature, developing economics and employment changes especially in agriculture. According to the study, the tolerance level of Çanakkale against immigrants is high. However, there are two factors that can decrease the tolerance level. The first one is security risks and the second one is economic burden originating from immigrants. The security measure should be increased and immigrants should be integrated to economic system of Çanakkale