Integration

When arriving in Turkey, three fourths of the Syrian entrepreneurs interviewed did not know anyone. Their social network is a key component favoring the integration of these refugees into the host community. Some entrepreneurs have mentioned how sharing the same religion has worked in their favor in integrating into the Turkish society on a personal level. 5 out of 12 entrepreneurs have expressed how religion has allowed them to gain better relations with their neighbors or receive help from strangers due to the circumstances they were coming from. Mrs. Muhibaldeen has added in her interview that she managed to get integrated due to her choice of moving to a neighborhood with Turkish locals. A process that has forced her to improve her knowledge towards the Turkish language. Mrs. Muhibaldeen has also used other forms of integration such as giving help to neighbors through the religion as well as getting help from her Turkish friend. Related to the organizing of several events in her working place. These events were aimed at and including both Syrian and Turkish women.

Mr. Kadkoy from TEPAV has shared opinions on the lack of the general integration of these entrepreneurs, adding that Turkey does not have enough experience with this matter.

Moreover, some of the organizations have pinpointed the lack of integration through the language programs, stating that they have a lack of flexibility in accordance with the needs of these entrepreneurs. Additionally to organizations, entrepreneurs have also voiced this lack of integration. 6 out of the total 18 interviewees have highlighted the importance of making the Turkish language mandatory and tailored to their routine in order to facilitate their integration. Given the poor adaptation to their needs, some entrepreneurs still try to manage their time and attend the classes offered by the Turkish government or the organizations. Mr. Abu Deb, in particular, has taken the matter into his own hands and has expressed using free online platforms such as Youtube in order to acquire more vocabulary in the area of the Turkish business language. Mrs. Muhibaldeen also shared that she learned a bit of Turkish through a language café.

5.1.4.1. Experience

All the 12 entrepreneurs interviewed have a higher educational background. We observed that 9 out of the 12 entrepreneurs acquired their education in Syria. These degrees vary from law, engineering, trade and economy, dentistry, banking, applied chemistry and computer engineering. Two of the remaining three entrepreneurs, acquired their degrees in a Turkish university in the areas of law and mechanical engineering. The last entrepreneur, Mr.

Hayrullah, acquired his degree from Lebanon. Additionally, Mr. Alakkad shared that he wishes to develop his personal skills attained in Syria, by acquiring a master’s degree in Turkey.

Most of the entrepreneurs we interviewed arrived in Turkey with a strong educational background. Which brings us into the next section of work experience. 5 out of the 12 entrepreneurs gave us a short insight into their work experience. Three of these entrepreneurs used the experience they obtained from the same field they used to do business in, while in Syria. As a result, they were able to continue working in the same field or industry in Turkey.

‘It’s our old business. We have been in this field since 1987. It’s our business, our main business. (…) It is different. It’s totally different from Syria. But as I told you, most of us have a background about their businesses. Sure, the bank system is different. The custom system is different. Trading organizations also are different, but we know from the past. We know how they are doing business. So, it’s not very big problem for us. Because we had an idea about their way. But it’s totally different, it’s not the same as Syria. It’s totally different.’

(Mr. Hayrullah – Mermas Kimya)

Mr. Vasoglu, an entrepreneur located in Istanbul shared that he acquired his work experience from his previous workplace. This experience gave him the tools to run a similar business on his own. He is one of the entrepreneurs that is currently finishing his law degree in Turkey (appendix 17). Mrs. Muhibaldeen, Mr. Nasher and Mrs. Helli, with degrees from Syria had to adjust to the new context by acquiring new experience. The two female entrepreneurs took training programs, which were made available by organizations. These courses gave them introductory experience into how to conduct business, since they did not have this background knowledge. Mrs. Muhibaldeen even mentions that it is difficult for women to start businesses. While acquiring new experience, she witnessed some challenges Syrian women faced in the area in which she found herself in and used that in order to create her business idea.

In the beginning of the inflow of Syrian refugees into Turkey, Mr. Chouihna was able to use the Turkish that he had learnt while studying in Gaziantep in order to translate for Doctors Without Borders in Turkey. Moreover, he also worked in other fields in the same context, which did not have a direct linkage to his educational background. Another entrepreneur, Mr. Nasher went from working as a Judge in Syria to owning a company that produces sweets. He encounters difficulties in solving the details of problems that arise in his business.

Moreover, he adds that he had to adjust to the new context by finding a new source of income.

The organizations' point of views are not included as this section was solely devoted to the understanding of the entrepreneurs' background.