Recent street violence targeting Syrians in Turkey has raised concerns about state involvement in inciting hatred, says veteran journalist Ali Duran Topuz in Artı Gerçek. A pogrom reminiscent of historical atrocities erupted after allegations of child abuse in Kayseri, spreading quickly across Turkey as far afield as Hatay, Bursa, Antalya, Izmir and Istanbul.
Topuz argues that no significant public disorder occurs in Turkey without implicit state approval, referencing the well-known formula of using rumours to incite public frenzy, followed by targeted violence. “The streets of Turkey do not mobilise without the state wanting them to,” he wrote, drawing parallels to the pogroms of 6-7 September 1955 and the arson attack in the Madımak district of Sivas.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan first laid the blame on the opposition for fuelling xenophobia, then went on to say, “Vandalism, setting streets on fire, cannot be accepted regardless of who does it.” However, Topuz contends that Erdoğan’s statement aims to shift responsibility away from the government. The implication to draw from the journalist is of state involvement in orchestrating the attacks.
Topuz’s article highlights the grim reality for Syrians in Turkey, who live in dire conditions and face severe discrimination. He criticises both the ruling party and the main opposition for their roles in perpetuating this environment. “Returning to the Syrians. Who are they? Where did they come from? They are here because the Republic of Turkey ravaged their country as part of an international coalition,” he asserts, calling for genuine solutions to the refugee crisis instead of hostility.
Topuz concludes by urging a shift in narrative towards solidarity with war victims and opposition to the policies that have led to such turmoil. He emphasises the need for a humane approach to migration and an end to the exploitation and vilification of Syrians.
