The role of cultural and ethnic origins of Syrians in Turkey in their integration process: Syrian Circassians and Turkmens

This study examines the impact of the cultural and ethnic sub-identities of Syrian Turkmens and Syrian Circassians on their integration processes following their migration to Turkey. The central argument of the dissertation revolves around the claim that integration processes should not approach migrants as a homogeneous group, but rather take their cultural identities into account, as this perspective is critical for the effectiveness of integration policies. To substantiate these claims conceptually, the first chapter of the study reviews the relevant literature, while the second chapter develops the conceptual framework through the metaphor of a "home." At this stage, the experiences of forced displacement, belonging, identity transformation, and integration among migrants who were compelled to relocate due to the Syrian Civil War are evaluated in light of the perspectives of prominent social scientists. In the third chapter, in order to answer the research questions, the historical background of the mobility processes of Syrian Turkmens is presented, followed by an analysis of the fieldwork findings within the framework of five phases of migration: "decision and journey," "reception," "exploration," "adaptation," and "the decision to (not) return." The fourth and final chapter applies the same methodological framework to examine the migration experiences of Syrian Circassians. While Syrian Turkmens tend to interpret forced migration as a "return to the ancestral homeland," Circassians, with their strong diaspora consciousness, are accustomed to the condition of being "foreigners" in various places. These distinct perceptions provide unique insights into integration processes and offer a preliminary ground for future research on other cultural groups. Ultimately, the dissertation argues that shaping migration policies with due regard to cultural and ethnic differences can, in the long term, facilitate adaptation for migrants, host societies, and countries of origin alike. This argument is grounded theoretically and substantiated through original empirical examples.