GEOPOLITICAL CHALLENGES OF POST-ELECTION TURKEY: THE ISSUE OF REFUGEES FROM SYRIA

Due to its geostrategic position, Turkey has taken in a large number of Syrian refugees since 2011. As a result, the country currently has the largest number of refugees in the world, which has had significant repercussions for domestic and foreign policies, as well as the socio- economic situation. Turkey's 2023 election campaign focused on the Syrian refugee crisis, with Erdogan and the opposition presenting their approaches to solving the problem. The outcome of the elections had a far-reaching impact on millions of Syrian refugees, drawing enormous attention from both the Turkish public and the international community as a whole. This media- based qualitative study examines the implications of Turkey's policy on Syrian refugees, particularly in the context of the May 2023 elections. The study analyzes the current status of refugees in Turkey and the attitude of the Syrian government towards them. It examines the changing positions of Turkey's new government and provides a comprehensive understanding of the region's complex political dynamics and current challenges. Erdogan's re-election appears to have ended his willingness to negotiate with Damascus, suggesting he remains skeptical that Damascus will be able to solve its key problems, particularly its ability to stem PKK attacks from northeastern Syria if Turkey withdraws its troops. However, as the 2024 municipal elections approach, it is clear that Erdogan's Syria policy will once again be in the spotlight. The stakes will be high for all political actors, and the outcome of the election could have a major impact on the future direction of Turkish foreign policy. The study concludes that one of the key factors influencing Turkey's anti-refugee attitude is the host society's concern about the current impact of refugees on the country's economic, social, and cultural structure. The results of this study also show that, in addition to internal factors, other factors can strongly influence the future direction of Turkish policy toward Syrian refugees. In particular, the inadequate solution to the refugee problem at the global level, the unstable influence of the EU, but also other international aspects, including the interests of Russia, are emphasized.