Abstract
The article aims at presenting trans-local aspects of Kurdish society and especially trans-local ties maintained by Kurds in Turkey, particularly in Istanbul. Inspired by transnational theories in migration and diaspora studies, the author proposes a categorization of Kurdish migration waves and waves of internal migration in Turkey. Drawing on in-depth interviews conducted with Kurds in Istanbul, the paper depicts ways of maintaining ties with the country’s Kurdish regions and types of social organizing around their culture and perceived needs. The paper also offers insights into contemporary Kurdish migration in Turkey, leading to the conclusion that although trans-locality has often been forced on Kurds, the socio-political situation in 2002–2015 led to the emergence of a new, trans-local, socially active Kurdish elite in Turkey
Highlights
This article aims to provide introductory information on trans-local and trans-national aspects of Kurdish culture and identity
Starting with a brief presentation of a theoretical background – the impact of transnational theory on migration and diaspora studies, I propose a categorization of waves of Kurdish migration since the beginning of the 20th century, based on contemporary studies on the topic
While noting the importance of the international Kurdish diaspora and the impact of trans-national and trans-local ties on Kurdish literature, the latter parts of the paper are devoted to empirical findings based on fieldwork conducted among Kurds in Istanbul, especially those who moved to the city in the 21st century under a relatively peaceful political atmosphere
Summary
This article aims to provide introductory information on trans-local and trans-national aspects of Kurdish culture and identity. The research results depict histories and paths of trans-local migration of the respondents, their perception of home-regions and ways of identifying with and organizing around the culture and social needs of Northern Kurdistan.
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