Syria's new capital … Istanbul
While Europe panics over 224,000 refugees, displaced Syrians have reached 330,000 in Istanbul alone.
According to information released by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the number of refugees heading to Europe this year has reached 224,000. Most of them are Syrians.
The heartbreaking photos of the lifeless body of 3-year old Syrian toddler Aylan on Turkey’s coast inspired feelings of compassion in the European public and the various governments. Nevertheless, with the exception of Germany, many are still grumbling over receiving small numbers of refugees.
According to Association for Solidarity with Refugees, the number of Syrians in Turkey has exceeded 2 million. Of them, 260,000 live in tents and prefabricated cities.
The Interior Ministry says the Syrians have dispersed to 72 of 81 Turkish provinces. According to last year’s numbers, Istanbul alone had 330,000 Syrians, more refugees than the whole of Europe. Istanbul has become the new “capital” for Syrians. Gaziantep hosts the second largest group with 220,000, followed by Hatay with 190,000.
