The construction of religious identity among the young generation of the Turkish diaspora in Germany

Identity remains an essential topic for modern nation-states. The increase in communication and transportation networks and the visibility of migration have caused nation-states to develop identity policies toward their communities across borders. In parallel to this, receiving societies have also developed identity policies towards immigrant and diasporic groups within the context of their own nation-state models. In this sense, the Turkish diaspora in Germany is affected by various policies developed by Turkey and Germany. How this influence is realized especially in the context of religious identity forms the basis of this study. This study, which deals with the construction of religious identity in the young generation Turkish diaspora in Germany, is based on qualitative data obtained from 23 participants aged 18-22 living in North Rhine Westphalia in Germany. The research seeks to reveal the determinants of the religious identity construction of young generations in Germany and to understand the religious identity construction of young generations Turkish diaspora. As a result of the field study, it was seen that the young generation participants who defined themselves within the framework of religious identity were influenced by four different factors in the construction of religious identity. These are family, non-governmental organizations, language and Germany's policies.