This year, the sixth of the international photography competition themed "migration" organized by Gölcük Municipality and Gölcük Photography and Cinema Art Association (GFSD) to document the experiences during the migration process, the difficulties encountered and the gains that come with migration, and to draw the attention of the public to the issue of "migration", is held in cooperation with UNDP Turkey. The aim of the competition, in which applications will be accepted until August 18, is the human and socio-economic dimension of the phenomenon of “migration”, the effects of migration on the host countries and communities, the ability of refugees to stand on their own feet without being dependent on help, to start life again in another country, resilience, resilience, focuses on explaining the phenomenon of “migration” and refugees in the context of empowerment, participation in the life, social cohesion and integration.
“Migration”, a phenomenon that has existed since the beginning of human history, has gained new challenges and perspectives today. Every year, millions of people who leave their countries due to war, conflict, natural disasters, climate crises, increasing inequalities, and population growth migrate to other countries. The displacement of individuals or communities as a result of compelling reasons such as war, religious, political, ethnic pressures, need for security, and the impossibility of meeting their basic human needs, is referred to as "forced migration". The number of forcibly displaced people worldwide is estimated to exceed 80 million in 2020.
Refugee individuals who took refuge in another country bring their own stories, skills, and knowledge with them. In this context, various policies and practices are carried out in areas such as education, health, entrepreneurship, business and livelihoods, language education, empowerment of women and youth, participation in social life, social cohesion and integration, which support refugees to stand on their own feet without being dependent on aid. . But, on the other hand, prejudices that see refugees as a burden to host communities in their countries of asylum continue to exist. Aiming to understand and explain refugees within this controversial framework, the competition seeks photographs that will reflect the human and socio-economic dimensions of the migration phenomenon.
*Photo by: Serkan Kurtulmuş