Narratives of Securitization: Media Portrayals of Refugees in Türkiye During Election Periods

This study investigates the portrayal of Syrian refugees in theTurkish media within the theoretical framework of securitization, focusing on the context of seven electoral periods between 2014 and 2023. Employing thematic analysis as its methodological approach, the research meticulously examines a dataset comprising 12,794 newspaper articles to explore how the narratives surrounding Syrian refugees have been shaped and influenced by the political climate of elections in Türkiye. The analysis aims to uncover the extent to which Syrian refugees are securitized in media discourse, identifying variations in the intensity and nature of coverage across different types of elections and among various media outlets, including both state-run and private newspapers. The findings reveal that 21% of the media coverage categorizes Syrian refugees under criminal themes, with a significant emphasis on "smuggling" and "caught" sub-themes. This securitization of refugees varies significantly during electoral periods, suggesting a strategic use of media narratives to influence public opinion and potentially affect electoral outcomes. The study highlights a dynamic interplay between media representations of refugees and the electoral cycle, with private media (Habertürk & Hürriyet) outlets showing a more pronounced fluctuation in coverage compared to state-run media (TRT). This research contributes to the discourse on the media securitization of refugees by providing empirical insights into the politicization of refugee issues during critical political junctures. It underscores the pivotal role of the media in shaping societal perceptions and dialogues about refugees, thereby informing both public discourse and policymaking. The findings of this study highlight the need for a critical examination of the social and political implications of media practices. Additionally, they argue for a journalistic approach that accurately reflects the complexity of the refugee experiences and operates with a sense of responsibility.