The number of Syrians who have crossed the 911 km (566 mile) land border to take refuge in Turkey has reached 800,000. About 250,000 of them are settled in refugee camps, while some have taken residence with relatives in Sanliurfa, Gaziantep and Kilis. Those who can afford it have rented homes near the border, while others have moved to larger Turkish cities.

To survive, Syrian refugees take any job they can find. Sowazaame work as garbage collectors, some in construction and small workshops and some beg in city streets. Syrians caught working illegally are subject to a fine of 759 Turkish lira ($364). Those who employ them are fined 7,612 lira ($3,647).

However, not many people care about the fines, which are not strictly applied because creating employment for refugees helps everyone. Those who live in camps are paid symbolic salaries and all their expenses are met by the Turkish state. Those outside the camps have to survive on their own.

Despite all the hardship and agony of the war and the heart-breaking poverty of many refugees, there is a positive trend of Syrians setting up their own businesses in Turkey.