#MunicipalForum2019
Turkey Context
The large-scale displacement from Syria into Turkey took place in the midst of a national, migratory-policy making process. The 2013 Law on Foreigners and International Protection is Turkey's first asylum law and first temporary protection law, introducing a rights-based approach to Turkey's migratory public policy system.
The Law also provided for the establishment of the General Directorate for Migration Management (DGMM), a dedicated institution responsible for coordinating migration policy and implementation across the country.
Key fact: As of May 2019, Turkey hosted the largest refugee population in the world, with the majority being Syrians under temporary protection.
Turkey's geographic position makes it a vital crossroads for migration, bridging Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. This strategic location has shaped the country's long experience with human mobility, both as a destination and a transit route. The municipal level has proven especially important in managing these dynamics, as cities and local governments are often the first point of contact for newcomers. Mayors and local administrators across Turkey have developed practical approaches to social cohesion, urban planning, and service delivery that respond to rapidly changing demographic realities. These local efforts complement national policies and international cooperation frameworks.
The 2013 Law on Foreigners and International Protection marked a significant shift in Turkey's approach to migration governance, establishing a rights-based framework and creating the General Directorate for Migration Management. This institutional development enabled more coordinated responses across different levels of government. Municipalities have since taken on expanded responsibilities in areas such as housing, education, health access, and social services for both local populations and displaced communities. The integration of migration management into local governance structures reflects a broader understanding that sustainable development and social stability depend on inclusive, well-coordinated public policy at the city level.
Turkey hosts one of the largest refugee populations in the world, with Syrian nationals comprising the majority of those under temporary protection. This reality has transformed urban landscapes across southeastern cities as well as major metropolitan areas like Istanbul, Gaziantep, and others. Local economies have adapted, labor markets have shifted, and municipal services have expanded to meet new demands. The presence of international organizations such as UNDP, IOM, and UNHCR has supported these efforts through technical assistance and project partnerships. City-to-city cooperation networks have also emerged, allowing Turkish municipalities to share knowledge and best practices with counterparts across Europe and the wider region.
The Municipal Forum provides a platform for mayors, local government leaders, policy makers, and international experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities arising from migration at the urban level. Participants explore topics including social cohesion, sustainable urban development, women's empowerment, youth inclusion, and local economic development. The forum emphasizes practical solutions and peer learning, recognizing that effective governance requires collaboration across institutional boundaries. By bringing together diverse stakeholders from Turkey, Europe, and beyond, the event contributes to a shared understanding of how cities can lead the way in building inclusive, resilient communities in a rapidly changing world.
Response of Turkey
Turkey's response to the Syrian crisis has been characterised by a combination of national policy leadership and local-level action. Municipalities across the country became first-line responders, delivering essential services, housing, and social support to refugee populations alongside host communities.
This dual approach — combining central government coordination through the DGMM with municipal-level implementation — formed the backdrop for the discussions at the Municipal Forum 2019, where mayors and local leaders shared practical experiences of managing migration at the city level.
The forum explored how Turkey's evolving legal and institutional framework could serve as a reference point for other countries facing similar displacement challenges, while also identifying areas where further cooperation between national and local authorities could strengthen outcomes for both refugees and host communities.