Why Syrian refugees don't go to Russia

Yekaterina Chulkovskaya

Dec 14, 2016

Refugees and migrants gather near a check point on the Russian-Norwegian border outside Nickel (Nikel) settlement in Murmansk region, Russia, October 30, 2015. The flow of Middle Eastern migrants trying to reach Europe via the Russian Arctic slowed dramatically on October 29, partly due to a shortage of bicycles to cross the border, a source who deals with them told Reuters. According to officials, many Syrians obtain business or study visas to enter Russia and then travel through Moscow and Murmansk to Nic — Refugees and migrants gather near a checkpoint on the Russian-Norwegian border outside the Nickel settlement in the Murmansk region, Russia, Oct. 30, 2015. — REUTERS/Fyodor Porokhin

Türkçe

Noginsk, a Russian provincial town about 40 miles from Moscow, is widely known as a place where the first monument to Lenin was established. It is also traditionally known by its industries, especially textile production. Recently, however, the town has become known as the place with the largest group of Syrian refugees in Russia.

Mohammad Al-Fallah, 32, came to Noginsk from Aleppo in 2013. He came to Noginsk, as many others did, to avoid war and with the hope of finding a home and peace. Why Russia? Why Noginsk? Why not Moscow or other big Russian cities? In an interview with Al-Monitor, Fallah said, “The reason is simple — I came here for work. A few years ago, a Syrian businessman opened a textile factory in Noginsk and invited his fellow countrymen to work.” At first, Fallah didn't want to move to unknown Russia, not speaking Russian and having a vague idea of life there. But as the situation in Aleppo was worsening, he made up his mind and left for Noginsk.