Over 120 people listened to her speak about her latest research, which focuses on the daily life of Syrian refugees in Turkey, particularly in Istanbul, and their survival strategies and the types of risks they face. Professor Narlı conducted intensive field work in Zeytinburnu in 2016 and 2017, and in Syrian refugee-populated bordering cities in 2015 and 2016. She conducted focus groups and informal interview with the muhtars (headman of a ward) of Zeytinburnu. She also created a survey that was filled out by 380 Syrians living in Zeytinburnu.
Professor Narlı addressed the trajectory of Syrian refugees’ journey from the war situation in Syria to Zeytinburnu in Istanbul, their living conditions, social networks, stress-coping strategies and their access to public services (education, health, etc.), as well as their integration and social inclusion in Turkey. She noted that only 39% of children ages 5-19 were found to be in school. A significant number (13%) were found be working, the majority of whom were ages 15-19. The majority of the adult sample (85%) noted that they prefer to stay in Turkey rather than leaving for another country.