Strengthening Humanitarian Aid: Qatar's NGO-Driven Framework for Supporting Syrian Refugees in Türkiye

Abstract

This study examines Qatar's NGO-driven humanitarian aid framework for Syrian refugees in Türkiye, focusing on structural, cultural and strategic challenges in delivering sustainable support. Through thematic analysis of interviews with Qatari NGO and Syrian civil society stakeholders, key issues such as resource constraints, administrative fragmentation, cultural barriers and the need for tailored strategies are identified. Findings show that while Qatar's aid efforts effectively address immediate needs, bureaucratic complexities, regulatory challenges and inconsistent funding impact project sustainability and efficiency. Additionally, cultural norms within Syrian refugee communities highlight the importance of culturally sensitive operations. Integrating insights from foreign aid and Islamic social financing, notably zakat – a form of Islamic almsgiving – the study proposes a framework for overcoming these challenges. In aligning humanitarian relief with resilience-building initiatives and culturally attuned approaches, Qatar's NGOs can enhance their impact on Syrian refugees' empowerment. This research contributes to discussions on foreign aid frameworks, stressing the need for cohesive, culturally informed strategies to achieve sustainable humanitarian outcomes.