An academic from Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University’s Center for Migration Policies and Research (CMPR), Professor Ali Zafer Sağıroğlu highlighted the potentials of international students to strengthen Turkey’s global influence across cultural, political, and economic spheres.  He further emphasized the evolving landscape of international student mobility and the emergence of xenophobic sentiments within Turkey.

Sağıroğlu noted the politicization of the refugee issue, especially after the 2019 local elections, where propaganda against foreigners particularly Syrians, gained traction among both ruling and opposition parties. He distinguished between politics driven by hope and those fueled by fear, indicating a shift towards fear politics, exploiting concerns about foreigners for political gains.

However, Sağıroğlu observed a decline in the popularity of parties resorting to fear politics due to improved government management and policies. He highlighted the broader anti-foreigner trend in Turkey, particularly targeting individuals under temporary protection status, such as Syrians, which has contributed to a climate of fear and negativity.

Regarding international student demographics, Sağıroğlu highlighted a significant increase, surpassing 300,000 in 2024 from around 18,000 in the early 2000s, which has propelled Turkey to the top 10 countries hosting international students globally. He linked this surge to Turkey’s aspirations for economic development and international political influence.

Sağıroğlu underscored the economic benefits and public diplomacy advantages of international student mobility, emphasizing Turkey’s aim to become a global political actor by participating in the international student mobility landscape. He cautioned against a blanket rejection of international students, calling for improvements while acknowledging the pivotal role they play in Turkey’s educational and diplomatic endeavors via entry into universities and scholarship programs.

Source: Daily Sabah