Sordid saga of Syrian refugees in Istanbul
(MENAFN- Arab News) Aesthetically designed mosques nightlife venues parks waterfront mansions serene islands Istanbul is a perfect getaway by all means. And what other time to visit the place than the ongoing late spring and early autumn season? There is every reason for one to be there.
Nevertheless as you are lost in admiring the beauty around you a sudden whisper in your ears comes as a bolt from the blue: 'Sir can you help me? I am a Syrian who has been displaced by the war in my country. I have a child and do not know how to make ends meet.' This helpless woman is one of the many Syrians who are forced to beg in Istanbul which was once eyed by invaders and ruled by many empires.
The woman told this reporter that she was forced to beg from Arab tourists as she failed to find a job because she is unqualified. 'I have come from a small Syrian village and I had some money which is over. I do not know my husband's fate in Syria whether he is alive or dead but I have a child who deserves to be alive. The landlord wants me to vacate the apartment because I have no money to pay the rent. Hence I have started begging from Arab tourists' she says.
'I am careful and maintain a safe distance from suspect Syrian men. One of them had asked me if I wanted a job and money but I refused. The war in Syria has destroyed our lives and I do not know where my parents are' she said with her eyes welled up in tears.
Despite the Turkish government trying to help the displaced Syrians mainly from the border areas the fact remains that many especially those who do not have any qualifications to land jobs in the country have been left in the lurch. And there is no dearth of such people simply because they come from villages. Some men with malicious intentions eying the young women refugees is another story.
The long-drawn war in Syria between extremist groups and the Syrian regime has taken a toll on the country's large number of citizens. According to the United Nations Refugee Agency's there are 1761486 Syrian refugees living in Turkey.
The Turkish government has provided special camps to these refugees. But circumstances have forced many of them to move to cities in search of a better livelihood. Tourists mainly from Arab countries are their main hope for monetary assistance .
On the brighter side some Syrian refugees who speak the Turkish language have succeeded in getting jobs especially in the tourism sector. Most of the refugees have a Turkish culture a plus point in some way as they have come from border areas.
Sukru Kirboga president of Arab-Turkish Association told Arab News that several Syrian refugee women in Istanbul are living in streets and sleeping in open areas like gardens. They have no home job or money. Most of them have children and they are eyed by criminals.
'This problem can be resolved if the Turkish government provides special camps to homeless Syrian families inside major cities as Istanbul Ankara and Bursa. Poor people always do anything to save the lives of their children' he said
Khaled Al-Halapi one of the Syrian refugees living in Istanbul and working in a restaurant as he can speak the Turkish language said most Syrian refugees who have skills find ordinary jobs at least in restaurants and cafes in Istanbul.
Taksim and Sultanahmet and some famous districts of Istanbul are preferred by Syrian women who live on the sidewalks hoping to find an Arab tourist who might help.
Nevertheless as you are lost in admiring the beauty around you a sudden whisper in your ears comes as a bolt from the blue: 'Sir can you help me? I am a Syrian who has been displaced by the war in my country. I have a child and do not know how to make ends meet.' This helpless woman is one of the many Syrians who are forced to beg in Istanbul which was once eyed by invaders and ruled by many empires.
The woman told this reporter that she was forced to beg from Arab tourists as she failed to find a job because she is unqualified. 'I have come from a small Syrian village and I had some money which is over. I do not know my husband's fate in Syria whether he is alive or dead but I have a child who deserves to be alive. The landlord wants me to vacate the apartment because I have no money to pay the rent. Hence I have started begging from Arab tourists' she says.
'I am careful and maintain a safe distance from suspect Syrian men. One of them had asked me if I wanted a job and money but I refused. The war in Syria has destroyed our lives and I do not know where my parents are' she said with her eyes welled up in tears.
Despite the Turkish government trying to help the displaced Syrians mainly from the border areas the fact remains that many especially those who do not have any qualifications to land jobs in the country have been left in the lurch. And there is no dearth of such people simply because they come from villages. Some men with malicious intentions eying the young women refugees is another story.
The long-drawn war in Syria between extremist groups and the Syrian regime has taken a toll on the country's large number of citizens. According to the United Nations Refugee Agency's there are 1761486 Syrian refugees living in Turkey.
The Turkish government has provided special camps to these refugees. But circumstances have forced many of them to move to cities in search of a better livelihood. Tourists mainly from Arab countries are their main hope for monetary assistance .
On the brighter side some Syrian refugees who speak the Turkish language have succeeded in getting jobs especially in the tourism sector. Most of the refugees have a Turkish culture a plus point in some way as they have come from border areas.
Sukru Kirboga president of Arab-Turkish Association told Arab News that several Syrian refugee women in Istanbul are living in streets and sleeping in open areas like gardens. They have no home job or money. Most of them have children and they are eyed by criminals.
'This problem can be resolved if the Turkish government provides special camps to homeless Syrian families inside major cities as Istanbul Ankara and Bursa. Poor people always do anything to save the lives of their children' he said
Khaled Al-Halapi one of the Syrian refugees living in Istanbul and working in a restaurant as he can speak the Turkish language said most Syrian refugees who have skills find ordinary jobs at least in restaurants and cafes in Istanbul.
Taksim and Sultanahmet and some famous districts of Istanbul are preferred by Syrian women who live on the sidewalks hoping to find an Arab tourist who might help.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Comments
No comment