Investigation of Russian-Turkish mixed family structures formed within the scope of marriage migration: The case of Antalya

With the developing technological infrastructures and transportation networks, there has been an increase in international migration. International migrations are divided into different types due to the lifestyles of individuals and societies or environmental effects. Among these types of international migration, one of the prominent types in recent years is international marriage migration. Antalya is an important center for international marriages in Turkey. The fact that Antalya is home to different cultural structures makes it easier for such mixed family structures to adapt to the society. In this study, it is aimed to determine the general appearance of Russian/Turkish mixed family structures living in Antalya, daily life practices, cultural similarities and differences, and how the roles of men and women in the family are. In the study, descriptive analysis, one of the qualitative analysis methods, is used. In-depth interviews were conducted with the people participating in the research. 14 people, 7 Turkish men and 7 Russian women, participated in the research. It has been understood that in the establishment of Russian/Turkish mixed family structures, the logic of the individuals as well as their emotions predominate. It has been understood that the harmony between spouses is effective in the continuity of the family. Although individuals are brought up in different cultures, they do not act with prejudice against the cultural structure of their spouses. Responsibilities in the family are shared according to the competency of the spouses. In Russian/Turkish mixed family structures, women draw a strong profile in terms of caring for children and general responsibility of the house. While there are differences in the lives of Russian and Turkish family structures, there are also similarities. The phenomenon of marriage is a very important structure in the establishment of the family in both cultures. Keywords: International Migration, Marriage, Family, Descriptive Analysis, In-depth Interview,