Rethinking the Turkish Diaspora: A Sociological Perspective

Abstract

In recent years, the concept of diaspora has become increasingly visible in academic, bureaucratic, and political debates in the Turkish context; however, there is still no clear consensus regarding its scope and boundaries. Different conceptualizations used to describe Turkish communities abroad such as Turkish-origin, Türkiye-origin, European Turks and gurbetci reflect not only terminological diversity but also competing understandings of belonging, identity, and political positioning. Drawing on the analytical ambiguity generated by this conceptual plurality, this article examines the notion of the Turkish diaspora from a sociological perspective. Rather than approaching diaspora merely as an instrument of foreign policy or transnational lobbying, the study conceptualizes it as a social formation shaped by collective belonging, boundary maintenance, identity negotiations, and shared orientations. In this regard, the article engages with major theoretical debates within diaspora studies and evaluates the sociological characteristics of the Turkish diaspora through the historical experience of labor migration to Western Europe. The article argues that, despite being heavily embedded in political and normative discourses in the Turkish context, the concept of diaspora still provides an important analytical framework for understanding Turkish communities in Europe. By clarifying the conceptual boundaries of the Turkish diaspora, the study seeks to contribute to ongoing debates in the diaspora literature.