Identity construction in the context of language, culture and ethnicity: The case of Ardeşen

Identity construction represents a delicate balance between confronting history and shaping the future. This study aims to address the elements that are effective in the identity construction process of the Laz people in Ardeşen. Ardeşen, as a region where both Turkish and Laz are spoken, provides a suitable example for understanding the interaction between local and national identity. The study examines which elements come to the fore in the definition of ethnic identity and national identity. The elements that differentiate ethnic affiliations from national identity and the complementary elements are investigated. The role of elements such as religion, history, ethnicity, language and culture in the construction of national identity is examined. How individuals living in Ardeşen can maintain both Laz and Turkish identities together; how state policies and local dynamics interact in this process are examined. This study aims to provide a new perspective to the discussions on identity and belonging in Turkey. By addressing the micro-level identity construction, it deeply examines the impact of local dynamics on national identity. The research will make a significant contribution to the literature by staying away from ideology and politics in national identity construction. A mixed research methodology was adopted in the study, where qualitative and quantitative methods were used together. The research data were obtained from ethnographic observations, semi-structured interviews and surveys conducted in the Ardeşen region. While the qualitative data aimed to understand the identity construction processes of individuals in depth, the quantitative survey results were used to measure the perception of national identity and the level of Turkish identity belonging. The Laz people in Ardeşen describe the Turkish identity as a national identity and see it as a political and official identity. They describe the Laz identity as a sub-national identity and see it as a cultural and ethnic identity. The Laz identity is seen as a sub-identity and the Turkish identity as a super-identity, and they co-exist without any conflict between these two identities.