The Uzbeks of Turkey daily life, identity and memory (The cases of Adana and Istanbul)

In the first half of the 20th century, a wave of mass migration occurred from the 'old country' Turkistan to other neighboring countries such Afghanistan, China, India and Iran, due to the turbulences therein. These waves of mass migration, which came into existence as a result of policies and reforms of the Soviets, the World War II, the war between Russia and Afghanistan, and the collapse of the Soviet regime, found their way into 'homeland' Turkey eventually. The Uzbeks have experienced multi-staged migration in single generation, and settled in cities such as İstanbul and Adana after having moved across several countries. The scope of their journey was so diffused that, in a single generation, the grandparents were born in another country, whereas the parents were born in a country apart from that of the grandparents, and the kids and the grandchildren were born in a third separate country. In this study, the cultural identity and the lived experiences of the Uzbeks have been examined through concepts such as memory. The aim of the study is to examine what factors help to maintain the continuity of the Uzbek cultural identity and how the identities of Uzbeks, who live in İstanbul and Adana, take form. This research has been conducted through qualitative research techniques such as participatory observation, focus group, in-depth interview, and oral history. The narratives of immigration and origins, daily life, commemorative activities and cultural practices have been examined through these methods. Social structures and institutions such as family, marriage, kinship and citizenship have been analysed as well and collected data have been presented. This study shows that the Uzbeks living in Ankara and Istanbul are preserving their cultural identity, while quickly and easily adapting to the Turkish society. Consciousness of origins, commemoration of Korbashis, tradition of Sümelek, institution of gep-geshtek, language, music, food culture and other cultural practices are among the main elements assuring the heritage and the continuity of Uzbek cultural identity. Keywords: Uzbek, Turkistanian, cultural identity, memory, Korbashi, Sümelek, Gep – geshtek.