Ahıska Turks settled in Elazığ: Integration process in the context of generations and the role of communication tools

This study aims to examine the levels of social integration among Ahıska Turks residing in Elazığ and to determine whether integration varies according to demographic variables. Only the Social Integration Scale was utilized in the research, and the analysis was conducted within the framework of quantitative methodology. The sample consisted of 200 Ahıska Turkish individuals with diverse age, gender, education levels, and social media usage habits. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and one-way ANOVA. Findings indicate that variables such as gender, marital status, educational attainment, daily social media usage duration, preferred social media platform, employment status, year of migration, and age group significantly affect levels of social integration. Notably, younger individuals (Z and younger Y generations) scored higher in both the "sense of belonging" and "independent participation" subdimensions. Male participants were found to have higher integration levels compared to females. Social integration also varied depending on the frequency and type of social media usage, with Instagram and Tiktok users reporting higher levels. In contrast, monthly income levels did not produce significant differences in integration outcomes. These results highlight the decisive role of individual and societal factors in the process of integration. The findings align with existing literature, confirming that integration is a gradual, multilayered process shaped by generational differences. In this regard, it is recommended that social policies and practices be developed to balance inequalities related to age, gender, and generational gaps, and to promote more active social participation among migrant communities. Keywords: Ahıska Turks, social integration, generational differences, social media.