National Identity and Syrian Migration: A Journey for Self-Discovery

Öz

This article examines how Syria's historical and social structure prevents the development of a strong national identity among Syrians and how this lack of identity affects their experiences as refugees. This article analyses the historical dynamics of Syrian identity and reveals that Syrian culture and history have not provided Syrians with a stable, coherent sense of self. Discussing the identity crisis of Syrian refugees and using testimonials from diverse ethnic and professional backgrounds, this article argues that the establishment of a national community has been a longstanding endeavour for Syrians and that the displacement and relocation of Syrian refugees in other nations challenge the postmodern notions of identity. While contemporary approaches see identity as fluid and constantly being produced through cultural encounters, there is an undeniable essentialist layer that emphasises the similarities of a nation. The case of Syrian refugees highlights the importance of this essential layer that constitutes the sense of belongingness to a nation. Searching for a new identity to construct a brighter future within a safe landscape, Syrian refugees try to leave their national identity behind and appreciate the new culture. Moreover, they discount their ethnic roots and prefer the process of assimilation rather than integration. Therefore, this study examines the stories of Syrian refugees highlighting the importance of essential identity in bringing about national integration and preserving a connection during acculturation.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Identity
• Nation-state
• Postmodernism
• Refugee
• Syrian

Ulusal Kimlik ve Suriyeli Göçü: Bir Kendini Keşfetme Yolculuğu

Öz

Bu makale, Suriye'nin tarihsel ve toplumsal yapısının Suriyeliler arasında güçlü bir ulusal kimliğin gelişmesine etkisini ve bu kimlik eksikliğinin mülteci olarak deneyimlerini nasıl etkilediğini incelemektedir. Bu makale, Suriyeli kimliğinin tarihsel dinamiklerini analiz etmekte ve Suriye kültürünin ve tarihinin Suriyelilere istikrarlı ve tutarlı bir benlik duygusu sağlamadığını ortaya koymaktadır. Farklı etnik ve mesleki geçmişlerden gelen tanıkların hikayelerini kullanarak Suriyeli mültecilerin kimlik krizine ışık tutmaktadır. Ulusal bir toplum olmanın Suriyeliler için uzun süredir devam eden bir çaba olduğunu ve Suriyeli mültecilerin yerlerinden edilip başka ülkelere yerleştirilmesinin postmodern kimlik kavramlarına meydan okuduğunu savunmaktadır. Kimlik akışkandır ve kültürel karşılaşmalar yoluyla sürekli olarak üretilirken, bir ulusun benzerliklerini vurgulayan yadsınamaz öz bir katman vardır. Fakat, makalede paylaşılan hikayeler gösteriyorki, Suriyeli mülteciler güvenli bir coğrafyada daha parlak bir gelecek inşa etmek için yeni bir kimlik arayışı içerisindeler. Yeni kültüre adapte olmaya çalışırken, etnik kökenlerini göz ardı ederek ve entegrasyon yerine asimilasyon sürecini tercih ederek oldukça incelemeye değer bir olgu sunmaktadırlar. Bu bağlamada, bu çalışma Suriyeli mültecilerin Türkiye ve diğer ülkelerde ki durumuna ışık tutarak, ulusal entegrasyonun sağlanmasında ve kültürleşme sürecinde mültecilerin ulusal kimlikleriyle bağlarının korunmasında temel kimliğin önemini vurgulamaktadır.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Kimlik
• Ulusdevlet
• Postmodernite
• Sığınmacı
• Suriyeli

Kaynakça

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