Abstract:

Migration is a multidimensional phenomenon that is of interest to many scientific disciplines. However, the focus of this study is on the social cohesion dimension of migration. Social cohesion is a very important issue that needs to be emphasized in the process of massive migration waves and becoming an immigration country. In this period when experience mass and individual migrations are experienced, social and cultural cohesion is a compulsory item on our agenda. Turkey, due to its location, has hosted many migration movements from past to present. Seen as a transit country, the country has also become a destination country in recent years. Immigrants from many countries come to our country to start a new life. Social inclusion policies have a very important place in social cohesion. Local governments, as institutions that have one-to-one contact with the local people, are the relevant interlocutors for the issue. It is necessary to be able to intervene on the spot and manage the process of social cohesion, the results of which remain to be seen more clearly in the long term. Many studies on social cohesion have addressed the issue in terms of migrants. This study aims to reveal the perspective, activities and interests of local governments, one of the main actors of the subject in the field of social cohesion, in Istanbul, where the most immigrants live in our country. According to the research findings, it has been found the most important problems for local governments about migrants are being unregistered, lack of basic education, language barrier, access to health services, housing, access to employment, social exclusion, cultural difference and communication problems with public institutions. It is understood that local governments carry out disconnected short-term projects for migrants due to lack of financial resources and legal basis, and that efforts for social cohesion and inclusion are insufficient.

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