Considering Turkey’s complex trichotomy of nationalism, including Conservative, Kemalist, and Ethnic nationalism, in conjunction with the recent influx of Syrian refugees coming into the country, public opinion about the crisis is undoubtedly contentious. In this exploratory study, I specifically examine how different cultural perceptions of Kemalist nationalism may influence the readiness of nationals to accept migrants and/or minorities. Survey data and qualitative interviews were used to collect information regarding preferences for particular migrants and the qualities necessary to become a "Turk." The study reveals that the significance placed on Kemalism by its advocates may incite tension between nationals and “outsiders,” such as migrants and minorities, especially those that do not pose any material advantage to them. Kemalists are protectionists when it comes to preserving their culture and maintaining Ataturk’s doctrines, and when their ideology is threatened, they begin to place blame on the “outsider,” for deviating from the status quo.
