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Journals / Journal of Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Economics and Administrative Sciences Faculty / 2026 / Volume: 13 Issue: 3

Entrepreneurship as a Bridge: Exploring the Acculturation and Entrepreneurial Pathways of Afghan and Syrian Refugees in Turkey

Ayşe Şafak(İBN HALDUN ÜNİVERSİTESİ, İNSAN VE TOPLUM BİLİMLERİ FAKÜLTESİ, PSİKOLOJİ BÖLÜMÜ, SOSYAL PSİKOLOJİ ANABİLİM DALI)0009-0006-9074-352X
Zehra Nuray Nişancı(İZMİR KATİP ÇELEBİ ÜNİVERSİTESİ, İKTİSADİ VE İDARİ BİLİMLER FAKÜLTESİ, İŞLETME BÖLÜMÜ)0000-0003-1782-237X
Gülcan Olçum Selek(İZMİR KATİP ÇELEBİ ÜNİVERSİTESİ, SOSYAL BİLİMLER ENSTİTÜSÜ)0000-0003-2226-8326
Pages
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Publication Date
2026-09-30
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

Findings indicate that Syrian refugees report higher levels of psychological and social adaptation, potentially linked to stronger community presence and more recent migration experiences.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

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Objective & Hypothesis:This study examines the acculturation outcomes of Afghan and Syrian refugee entrepreneurs in Turkey, focusing on psychological and sociocultural adaptation within entrepreneurial contexts.
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Key Findings & Data:As refugee populations increase, understanding how entrepreneurship supports integration is essential for informing policy and support mechanisms.
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Conclusion & Impact:Findings indicate that Syrian refugees report higher levels of psychological and social adaptation, potentially linked to stronger community presence and more recent migration experiences.
🔬Design:Research Article
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:refugee entrepreneurship · acculturation · psychological adaptation

Abstract

This study examines the acculturation outcomes of Afghan and Syrian refugee entrepreneurs in Turkey, focusing on psychological and sociocultural adaptation within entrepreneurial contexts. As refugee populations increase, understanding how entrepreneurship supports integration is essential for informing policy and support mechanisms. Based on in-depth interviews with 24 refugee entrepreneurs (11 Afghans and 13 Syrians), the study explores factors shaping psychological well-being, social integration, cultural adaptation, and life satisfaction. Findings indicate that Syrian refugees report higher levels of psychological and social adaptation, potentially linked to stronger community presence and more recent migration experiences. Afghan refugees, despite facing greater challenges related to trauma and prior displacement, demonstrate resilience through religious coping, work engagement, and stability. Across both groups, entrepreneurship facilitates economic self-sufficiency and social connection, while challenges such as legal barriers, financial strain, and work–life imbalance persist. The study highlights the need for tailored support policies addressing group-specific needs.

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Cite This Article

Şafak, A., Nişancı, Z. N., Selek, G. O. (2026). Entrepreneurship as a Bridge: Exploring the Acculturation and Entrepreneurial Pathways of Afghan and Syrian Refugees in Turkey. Journal of Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Economics and Administrative Sciences Faculty, Volume: 13 Issue: 3. https://doi.org/10.30798/makuiibf.1922032

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