Consequences of Turkish return migration from Western Europe

Abstract

We studied the consequences of Turkish return migration in the reconstruction of ‘migrant’identities into ‘almanci’ identities (literally: German-like; a pejorative term denoting Turk-ish returnees with a German-like identity) using semi-structured, oral interviews among48 informants. The study uses a qualitative approach and inductive content analysis to getinsight into the factors influencing (re) adaptation of Turkish return migrants. On the basisof informants’ self-reports, we found that perceived discrimination, cultural distance withmainstream Turks and children-related issues experienced after return emerged as majorthemes in the returnee’s narratives. The research revealed that re-adaptation difficultiesvaried substantially across generations and the socioeconomic status of the informants.The migration experiences and the acculturation orientations of the migrants in the coun-tries of immigration played essential roles for a successful re-adaptation period. The resultsare discussed within the framework of two major models, Berry’s acculturation model andSussman’s cultural identity model.