Place attachment in the context of loss and displacement: The case of Syrian immigrants in Esenyurt, Istanbul

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study examines the effects of displacement on place bonds among immigrants in their neighborhoods. While previous studies have addressed the effect of voluntary relocations and disasters on place attachments, the impact of war displacements has not received much attention. There is still much to know about how individuals displaced by war cultivate bonds to new locales. The study addresses two main questions: What kinds of attachment do Syrian immigrants in Esenyurt, Istanbul, establish with their new locale? How do feelings of loss and displacement influence the bonds Syrian immigrants form with their new locale? To address these questions, we used a qualitative approach, conducting in-depth interviews with 16 participants in Esenyurt, Istanbul. Results from interviews show that feelings of low self-esteem and self-efficacy severely impact a displaced individual’s ability to identify with their new neighborhood because of displacement and loss. Moreover, social tensions alienate and challenge newcomers, impacting their sense of identification and thus bonds with place. Results highlight the importance of preserving identities for the establishment of place attachment.