Sikh Community Between Integration and Assimilation: A Case Study of Belgium

Year 2024, , 331 - 348, 31.12.2024

Muhammad Usman Ali

https://doi.org/10.17131/milel.1577264

Abstract

This study investigates the Sikh community in Belgium, emphasizing their endeavors to achieve a balance between integration and assimilation while preserving their cultural and religious identity. Using a case study approach, it analyzes the Sikh diaspora’s interaction with Belgian norms and institutions through the lenses of assimilation, multiculturalism, and transnationalism. The research identifies various challenges, including the preservation of identity, experiences of discrimination, and the effects of Belgium’s integration policies on the community. Since the 1970s, approximately 10,000 Sikhs from India have settled in Belgium, initially finding limited opportunities and working in labor, military, and agriculture. Over time, the second and third generations have transitioned towards business and social integration. Nevertheless, the community continues to experience political marginalization and remains disconnected from the Khalistan movement due to its limited political clout. While certain groups, such as the Sikh Youth of Belgium and Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), continue to support Khalistan, their influence is relatively minor. Grounded in diaspora theory and aided by the interview data, this research provides significant insights into immigrant integration, cultural preservation, and the intricate dynamics between assimilation and multicultural coexistence within the Belgian context.

Keywords

Sikh Diaspora, Sikhism in Belgium, Migrants, Khalistan Movement, Integration, Assimilation, History of Religion

Ethical Statement

This study is based on his PhD dissertation entitled “Analysis of the Theo-Political Role of Sikhism on the Sikh Communities in the Indian Subcontinent and Diaspora (1984-2020)” (Istanbul University), conducted under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Şinasi Gündüz. Ethical principles were followed during the preparation of this study.

Entegrasyon ve Asimilasyon Arasında Sih Topluluğu: Belçika'dan Bir Örnek Olay İncelemesi

Abstract

Bu çalışma, Belçika'daki Sih toplumunu incelemekte ve onların kültürel ve dini kimliklerini korurken entegrasyon ve asimilasyon arasında bir denge kurma çabalarını vurgulamaktadır. Bir vaka çalışması yaklaşımı kullanarak, Sih diasporasının Belçika normları ve kurumlarıyla etkileşimini asimilasyon, çok kültürlülük ve ulusötesilik mercekleri üzerinden analiz etmektedir. Araştırma, kimliğin korunması, ayrımcılık deneyimleri ve Belçika'nın entegrasyon politikalarının topluluk üzerindeki etkileri de dahil olmak üzere çeşitli zorlukları tanımlamaktadır. 1970'lerden bu yana, Hindistan'dan gelen yaklaşık 10.000 Sih Belçika'ya yerleşmiş, başlangıçta sınırlı fırsatlar bulmuş ve işçilik, askerlik ve tarımda çalışmıştır. İkinci ve üçüncü nesiller zamanla iş hayatına ve sosyal entegrasyona geçiş yapmıştır. Bununla birlikte, topluluk siyasi olarak marjinalleşmeye devam etmekte ve sınırlı siyasi gücü nedeniyle Khalistan hareketinden kopuk kalmaktadır. Belçika Sih Gençliği ve Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) gibi bazı gruplar Khalistan'ı desteklemeye devam etse de etkileri nispeten azdır. Diaspora teorisine dayanan ve mülakat verileriyle desteklenen bu araştırma, Belçika bağlamında göçmen entegrasyonu, kültürel koruma ve asimilasyon ile çok kültürlü bir arada yaşam arasındaki karmaşık dinamikler hakkında önemli bir bakış açısı sunmaktadır.

Keywords

Sih Diasporası, Belçika, Göçmenler, Khalistan Hareketi, Entegrasyon, Asimilasyon, Dinler Tarihi

Ethical Statement

Bu çalışma, Prof. Dr. Şinasi Gündüz danışmanlığında sürdürülmekte olan “Analysis of the Theo-Political Role of Sikhism on the Sikh Communities in the Indian Subcontinent and Diaspora (1984-2020)” (İstanbul Üniversitesi) adlı doktora tez çalışmasından faydalanılarak hazırlanmıştır. Bu çalışmanın hazırlanma sürecinde etik ilkelere uyulmuştur.

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