Socio-demographic Factors of Internal Migration in Turkey

Nowadays, massive internal migration in Turkey that got its start in the 1950s influences the economic, social and demographic structures of the country. Historically, migration flows happen from under-developed Eastern and South-Eastern provinces to urbanized Western regions which have more employment opportunities and better infrastructure. In this study, the main aim is to examine the role of socio-demographic factors in migration decision making for different in geographical, economic, political way in 81 provinces. Also, as a parallel, the relationships among demographic change, migration and urbanization are presented in the research. In the empirical part of the research, it was found that the socio-economic imbalances between urban and rural areas played an important role in internal migration decision and this role was due to the high income levels of the provinces receiving net immigration rather than the low income level of the net immigrant provinces. Data were utilized using basic statistical methods to answer the question “How much do the socio-demographic factors affect decision of people to move?”. Multiple lineal regression was applied to investigate social and demographic variables. As the results, educational level of migrants, their marital status, age, poverty rate of receiving provinces and their social infrastructure were the most influential in migration decision making. A combination of actions is required, with wider attempts to address region development imbalances, socio-economic, ecological and demographic consequences related to internal migration in Turkey. Collaborative efforts are needed to eliminate existing destructive outcomes of uncontrolled migration flows, take premeasures to preclude negative externalities in the future and promote sustainable development of the country. Social and economic policies are suggested in order to provide solutions of issues about internal migration.