ABSTRACT
This chapter delves into the issue of negative sentiments towards Syrian migrants in Turkey, particularly in relation to their religious identity. Despite the attention given to migration issues by researchers, policymakers and society in Turkey, the role of migrants’ religious identity in their exclusion has not been fully explored. To fill this gap, the study uses data from the Turkish social media platform Ekşi Sözlük (Sour Dictionary), and analyses discourses related to migration and religion using the concept of “boundary”. The study explores that Islamophobic discourses, images and frames have been shaped throughout Turkish history and are still present today as migrants settle in Turkey. These negative perceptions towards migrants are influenced by various factors such as geographical/cultural, body/appearance, ideological and political elements of their religious identity. The study reveals that religious identity contributes to negative sentiments towards Syrian migrants in Turkey.
