Description
This study explores the unique identity formation of the Kurds of Central Anatolia, a lesser-known subgroup within the Kurdish diaspora who have resided in the regions of Ankara, Konya, and Kırşehir for over 400 years. With identifying with the broader Kurdish identity associated with Kurdistan, this group has also cultivated an "alternative Kurdishness," shaped by historical migrations and the enduring pressures of Turkish nationalism since the early Republic era. Drawing on diaspora and sub-identity theories, this research examines how this alternative Kurdish identity persists and evolves, particularly after significant waves of migration to European countries, such as Germany, Sweden, and Denmark, since the 1960s. Despite common experiences of marginalization, the Kurds of Central Anatolia have developed distinctive cultural and political characteristics, setting them apart from other Kurdish communities. The study is grounded in extensive fieldwork and interviews conducted in Germany, Sweden, and Denmark, offering new insights into how transnational migration impacts identity construction within ethnic communities. This research contributes to the literature on diaspora dynamics, ethnic politics, and identity formation by introducing the concept of "alternative Kurdishness" and examining the complex interplay between nationalism, migration, and identity in a transnational context.
