Understanding the socio-economic and wellbeing impacts of the 2023 earthquakes in Turkey on Syrian refugees

This study seeks to understand the specific impacts of the 2023 earthquake on Syrian refugees by focusing on four key areas: (1) the effects on their living conditions, (2) the influence on their sense of community belonging, (3) the well-being impacts reported after the disaster, and (4) the support strategies identified by the refugees as beneficial. 

Based on individual interviews with 36 participants and a subsequent thematic analysis, the researchers found that Syrian refugees experienced trauma reminiscent of their wartime experiences. They encountered severe economic, psychological, and social challenges. Economically, they suffered job and housing loss, poverty, and increased debt. Psychologically, many experienced intense stress and trauma. Socially, the refugees faced disrupted family and community ties, interruptions in education, isolation, and withdrawal from social life. Nevertheless, the crisis temporarily strengthened community solidarity as refugees supported one another in the aftermath.