An Analysis of Immigration Policies in Greece and Turkey Regarding the Syrian Refugee Crisis

Since the start of the Syrian civil war in early 2011, the country has been plunged into a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale, causing immense suffering for millions of its citizens. The protracted and violent conflict has led to widespread displacement of Syrians, forcing them to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighboring countries and beyond. This mass exodus has not only created significant challenges for host countries but has also highlighted the urgent need for coordinated international humanitarian responses. The outbreak of the Syrian civil war exposed the European Union’s inability to effectively manage the refugee crisis, leading to severe political and logistical challenges. This failure had a profound impact, initially on Turkey and later on the Western Balkan countries, triggering critical political dilemmas and further complicating the crisis response. Turkey and Greece have been central in managing the Syrian refugee crisis, shouldering the immense burden of mass displacement. Turkey, hosting over 3 million Syrian refugees, has not only been the largest host country but also a key transit hub for those seeking to reach Europe. Meanwhile, Greece, as a frontline EU state, has become a primary entry point for refugees, particularly those crossing the Aegean Sea from Turkey. This thesis presents a comparative analysis that investigates the evolution of asylum policies in Turkey and Greece. As major host and transit countries, Turkey and Greece have been pivotal actors in Europe's broader response to the refugee crisis, adapting their policies to international agreements while grappling with complex humanitarian and political challenges.