Macedonia migrants as a cultural group: Multi-identities and belonging (Case of Manisa)

The focus of the research is on how Macedonian immigrants, one of the Balkan immigrant groups, built identity on the basis of intergenerational differences, in the context of multiple identities, dual citizenship and belonging. In this context, the research was limited to Macedonian immigrants, a Balkan immigrant group living in Manisa. The first, second and third generation immigrants were included in the study in order to examine the cultural identities, belongingness and feelings and attitudes towards dual citizenship of Macedonian immigrants living in Manisa. In the study, it was preferred to use qualitative and quantitative methods together. In-depth interview technique was used among qualitative research techniques, and questionnaire technique was used among quantitative research techniques. In this context, the data collected by the survey technique in the direction of quantitative research were analyzed through SPSS program. Thus, more limited qualitative data on generalization were tried to be strengthened, albeit partially. According to the results, Macedonian immigrants are relatively adaptable to Turkish society. On the basis of differences between generations, it can be stated that the immigrant identity is dominant in the first and second generations in terms of multiple belonging and dual citizenship, whereas in the last generations this identity is diminished. On the other hand, while there is multilingualism in the first and second generations, there is a desire to transfer to the next generations. In the third generations, the use, continuity and transmission of Macedonian is very low. On the other hand, in the axis of multiculturalism, it can be said that there are differences in the definitions of identity and belonging between generations. Finally, it can be said that the immigrant individuals of Macedonia are fully integrated and adaptable to society.