Elite sociology and rulers' families: Afghan princess Naciye Doğan Sultan

The term "elite" which comprise ruling elites and non-ruling elites, signifying belonging to a different stratum in the society they live in, bring along the concepts of migration, forced displacement and exile in relation to transformation of society by itself or by others. Ruling elite signifies "dynasty" while non-ruling elite signifies the strata who has advanced characteristics in society such as intellectuals and artists. In this sociological study, examples of ruling elite families were given from Turkey, Russia, Iran, Bulgaria and Afghanistan in the context of elite classes who behave differently from society's dynamics. On the other hand, examples of non-ruling elites were narrated through migration/exile experiences of İzzettin Dinamo, Abidin Dino and Nazım Hikmet in the context of how they were affected by the swift structural changes occurred in their country. This study that we investigated as an example from recent history was conducted with an in-depth interview with Princess Naciye Doğan from Afghan dynasty which comprise Afghan King (r.1919-1929) Amanullah Han and his family, enabled us to reach firsthand information and findings historically and sociologically based on experiences of this elite stratum in different countries and in Turkey, in the scope of migration phenomenon, exile phenomenon, identity transformation and difference of status. Findings related to migration and post-migration conditions have been noted thanks to in-depth interview which enabled us to investigate this elite stratum apart from official written history. One of the most critical findings is that the dynastic families, when they were obliged to leave, preferred to go countries in which they had mutual cultural elements such as language or religion during migration/exile process.