Fuelled by a wave of online hostility and misinformation, Turkey recently witnessed a surge in anti-Syrian sentiment leading to riotous behavior and widespread social dismay. The rapid escalation of volatile emotions has alarmed Turkish officials who are calling for calm, urging citizens to set aside their fears. Amid the flurry of social debates, new issues have emerged in the face of this unprecedented social media-driven social unrest.
The eruption of anti-Syrian sentiment has primarily stemmed from distressing incidents that have recently occurred in several Turkish cities. It is essential to note the complex relationship between indigenous Turkish citizens and Syrian refugees who, as a consequence of the ongoing Syrian Civil War, have been grudgingly accepted into the Turkish society since 2011.
Despite the traditional hospitality and lukewarm acceptance by most Turks, isolated incidents of tension have ignited fierce discussions and heightened resentment. In most instances, these discords have been overwhelmingly amplified via social media platforms, escalating a handful of quarrels into what now appears as popular anti-Syrian riots.
In response to the growing belief of Syrian’s overstepping their temporary sanctuary’s bounds, Turkish officials have called for a national appeal to restore calm. The government acknowledges the role of social media in fuelling this uprising but also recognizes it as the ideal tool to spread their message of peace, tolerance, and understanding.
Staunchly condemning the generalization of Syrians based on isolated incidents, state representatives have urged citizens to differentiate between the actions of few and the collective Syrian refugees’ demeanor. Simultaneously, the Turkish government has stressed that incidents of misdemeanors will be dealt with according to the law, without bias towards anyone’s nationality.
The role of social media in this situation is wieldy and dual-edged. On one hand, it endows the common citizen with a voice louder than the traditional avenues of communication allow. Guided by extreme emotions, these voices often paint a distorted picture of reality. On the other hand, social media possesses the potential for transparency and open conversation – a tool Turkish officials are utilizing to dispel myths and assure citizens of their safety and welfare.
Several organized campaigns have been launched across platforms like Facebook and Twitter to foster a sense of tolerance and empathy among citizens. These campaigns are dedicated to promoting the peaceful coexistence of Turkish citizens and Syrian refugees. They focus on the human aspect, evoking shared feelings of strife and loss, thereby educating the public about their commonalities and shared humanity.
In the midst of this national discord,
