Migration and Tourism Movements from the Middle East to Turkey: Egyptian Migrants

The literature highlights that physical geography and natural conditions influence the socio-cultural life of societies, and unfavorable political and economic conditions are among the driving forces of migration. Factors such as global climate change and war are expected to increase migration from the Middle East and Africa. Turkey, with its geographic location and potential in agriculture, industry, and tourism, is one of the target countries for this migration. In migrations occurring via land routes, border security gains importance. The clearance of mines along the Syria-Turkey border in 2011 enabled cross-border migrant mobility. Similarly, between 2020 and 2023, landmines along the Armenia-Iran border were cleared, followed by escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Israel’s attacks on Lebanon led to hundreds of thousands of migrants moving from Lebanon to Syria (October 2024).The socio-economic, public order, security, and demographic implications of irregular migrants entering Turkey under temporary protection status or through illegal means require comprehensive evaluation and management. Some of these migrants, during religious holidays, visit their home countries temporarily from the host country. Due to their citizenship and residence status, these visits are recorded in statistics as "tourists." This research examines migration from the Middle East to Turkey through a literature review, focusing on Egyptian migrants who have obtained residence permits. The finding of a high rate of home purchases among Egyptian migrants suggests that they come to Turkey with the intention of residing there.