Examining the role of large group identity in the treatment of trauma during the exile: the case of ahiska Turks

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of large group identity in the treatment process of trauma in the first generation Ahiska Turks who were forcibly displaced during the exile in 1944. It is thought that even though it has been over the years, it affects their lives. In addition, their inner world and identity has been shaped by traumatic event they have experienced. Participants were exiled from their homeland, Ahiska, because of their Turkish-Muslim identity and then had to migrate to different places. Interviews were held with first-generation family members, aged between 79 and 89, living in Istanbul and Bursa. The results of the interviews were analyzed by Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). 6 superordinate themes and 22 subordinate themes emerged: The superordinate themes are: 1) identity construction, 2) exile and immigrant life, 3) seeking justice, 4) finding home and trying to return homeland 5) coping mechanisms, adaptation and survival strategies 6) about the lost homeland. In addition to these themes, observations made by the researcher throughout the interviews were included. It is thought that the study will help to create policies and support programs developed by the state institutions and non-governmental organizations for migrants because of the study's descriptive aspect to traumatic events and their treatments.