Business Daily The Syrian businesses leaving Turkey
Jul 28, 2025
The podcast delves into the exodus of Syrian businesses in Istanbul's Little Syria as many refugees return home, altering the local economy. It highlights the emotional toll on remaining shop owners and the financial struggles faced by Syrian restaurants amid Turkey's economic challenges. The narrative also uncovers the cultural tensions and shifting dynamics as the Syrian workforce departs, leaving Turkish businesses to grapple with labor shortages. The potential for repatriation of Syrian entrepreneurs introduces new investment possibilities back in Syria.
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Empty Streets of Little Syria
- Little Syria in Istanbul used to be very crowded with Syrian businesses and customers before Assad's fall.
- Now the streets are almost empty as many Syrians return home, deeply impacting the local community.
Syrian Businesses Lose Customers
- Syrian businesses in Turkey depend heavily on Syrian customers who are now leaving.
- Turkish customers rarely visit these Syrian shops, causing many shops to close down.
Widespread Syrian Return Migration
- Return migration of Syrians is widespread across Turkey, not just Istanbul.
- Areas like Gaziantep and Hatay also see shop closures as Syrian owners go back to Syria.