مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - TRANSNATIONALISM IN CONTEXT: THE KURDISH DIASPORA IN EUROPE

Abstract :

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the Diasporas. International migrations, the developments in the transportation and communication systems put the Diasporas at the margins of the home and host countries in the highly globalized world. The out migration of Kurdish population to European countries has resulted in the creation of Kurdish diaspora in Europe. Therefore, this study examines the Kurdish diaspora in Europe in the light of theoretical and empirical debates in the literature. In the first part of the study, theoretical debates over diaspora, transnationalism, and long distance nationalism are explored. In the second part of the study, the historical background, social networks, and media outlets are analysed. The results of the study show that Kurdish diaspora is a vibrant and dynamic community. It not only provides a social network and solidarity among the immigrants in the host country, but also keeps the memories of thepast, conflicts and developments in home countries alive. As a result, Kurdish diaspora is quite political in its stand and takes strong positions about ethnic conflicts and political struggles back home.