Speaker
Description
The growing migration of Somali students to Türkiye, facilitated by Türkiye Scholarships and strengthened diplomatic ties, reflects a complex interplay between migration policies, cultural identity, and spatial practices. This study investigates the experiences of Somali students in Ankara, focusing on how Türkiye's supportive policies influence their migration decisions and spatial integration into the urban fabric. By examining these dynamics, the research explores how Somali students navigate their cultural identity, form spatial clusters, and interact with Ankara’s public and private spaces.
Türkiye has implemented several educational programs to facilitate the relationship between Türkiye and Africa and open up opportunities for African students (Djamança, 2021). Between 2012 and 2021, 12,600 students from 54 African countries were provided with grants through Türkiye Scholarships. Of these, 3,029 students have graduated from Turkish universities, showcasing Türkiye’s significant role in promoting educational opportunities for African students (YTB, 2021). Somali students constitute a growing proportion of the international student body in Türkiye. From just 638 students in 2013/14, the number increased to 3,764 in 2018/19 and further to 10,043 in 2022/23, with 6,540 male and 3,503 female students in the most recent academic year (Lewis and Lüküslü, 2024). These trends highlight Türkiye’s prominence as a key destination for Somali students seeking higher education abroad.
This study employs a mixed-methods approach, primarily using an online survey to collect data from Somali students studying in Ankara. The survey comprises structured and semi-structured questions, combining multiple-choice, Likert-scale, and open-ended formats to capture both quantitative and qualitative insights. The instrument is designed to gather data on the participants' migration motivations, settlement patterns, spatial practices, and the role of cultural identity in their interaction with Ankara’s urban spaces.
Key areas of focus include the influence of Türkiye’s educational policies on the students’ decision to migrate, the role of social networks in shaping their urban experiences, and the impact of financial and cultural factors on their spatial choices. By analyzing these factors, the research connects students' migration journeys to their spatial choices and urban experiences.
The study contributes to urban planning and migration research by providing recommendations for creating inclusive, multicultural urban environments that support the integration of international students. It highlights the importance of considering cultural identity, social networks, and migration policies in urban development strategies.
References
Djamança, A., 2021. The Role of Education in International Cooperation: The Case of Turkey and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Lewis, P.C., & Lüküslü, D., 2024. International Students in Turkey: Migration and Mobility as Competing Frameworks of Analysis. IPC–Mercator Analysis, May 2024.
YTB, 2021. Turkey’s YTB Leads Humanitarian Effort for Africa’s Development. [online] Available at: https://ytb.gov.tr/en/news/turkey-s-ytb-leads-humanitarian-effort-for-africa-s-development [Accessed 9 December 2024].
| Keywords | SomaliStudents; CulturalIdentity; MigrationandMobility; Türkiye-AfricaRelations; UrbanPlanning |
|---|
