The Role of Digital Images in Migration Management: “One Picture a Thousand Stories”

This study examines the representation of refugees in Türkiye’s visual migration management. It conducts a content analysis of 44 photographs and a social semiotic analysis of three selected photographs from the e-catalog “One Picture a Thousand Stories” published on the official website of the Presidency of Migration Management. This digital catalog comprises 44 photographs submitted to a photography competition organized by the Presidency of Migration Management in 2021, which were subsequently selected for publication based on their thematic relevance and visual representation of migration-related narratives. The initial review of the photos focuses on analyzing the depiction of refugees with particular attention to their representation and interactions with various social actors, including local communities and state representatives such as law enforcement and government officials. This study examines the role of visual narratives in Türkiye’s migration governance and how migration-related imagery contributes to state-led discourse on refugee management. Considering the significant impact of visual communication on shaping public perceptions of political issues, government institutions have increasingly incorporated photographs on their websites and social media platforms to convey strategic messages. Additionally, this study examines the broader role of photography in migration management with a particular focus on its influence in shaping public perceptions of the “acceptable” migrant within the context of state policies and social integration.