Without that status, they are not permitted by law to have a job or attend schools in the country.
The refugees, many of whom had to flee Russia's wars in Chechnya, are pushing Turkish officials to grant them those rights.
But as Imran Garda reports from Ankara, the Turkish capital, there may be a political motive that has kept Turkey from making the move.
See also Sydney Irresistible and Mike Hitchen Unleashed
Putting principles before profits
Putting principles before profits