Iraqi Turkmens' political movement and Iraq's ethnic and religious balances

This thesis examines the political position of the Turkmens within Iraq's multi-identity political structure. The study evaluates the longstanding ethno-sectarian multi-party system in the country by focusing on key political actors, including Turkmen, Kurdish, Shiite, and Sunni groups. Particular emphasis is placed on the organizational development of the Turkmen political movement, its historical background, and the structural challenges it has faced. In addition to written sources, the research also utilizes field data, party documents, and current developments. This approach enables a closer examination of the internal dynamics, decision-making mechanisms, and representational capacity of the Turkmen political movement. One of the main findings of the study is that Turkmen politics has operated in a fragmented structure for many years, which has limited its political effectiveness. Moreover, the lack of a unified representative council covering all Turkmen political organizations has weakened institutional cohesion and the ability to act collectively. In conclusion, the study highlights the need for a more institutionalized, internally consistent, and socially supported political structure for Turkmens to attain a stronger position in Iraqi politics.