Turkey’s Controversial Resettlement Policy: Demographic Shifts in Afrin, Syrian Kurdistan
By ISSG Staff
Introduction
In a controversial move, Turkey has reportedly resettled around 10,000 Arab Palestinians in the Turkish-occupied Kurdish city of Afrin in Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava). This strategic demographic shift has significantly altered the ethnic composition of the region, diminishing the Kurdish majority and sparking concerns about the long-term consequences for the displaced population.
Background
Following the Turkish army's occupation of Afrin in March 2018, after a two-month conflict with Kurdish forces, a policy aimed at the Arabization of the Kurdish region was set in motion. The policy received financial support from various Arab nations, including Palestine.
Demographic Changes
Abdulrahman Apo, a Kurdish politician no longer residing in Afrin, revealed that in...