Caucasian Diaspora in Turkey and Its Impact on Turkish Foreign Policy

Abstract

The concept of diaspora, which was incorporated into the literature on politics in the 1960s, has become a significant notion in current international politics. This study aims to present a theoretical assessment of the diaspora concept, followed by the organisation and the evolution of the Caucasian diaspora(s) in Turkey, which include Armenians, Azeris, Georgians and other North Caucasian peoples. It discusses their transformations from emigrants to diaspora, their views regarding each other as well as the changes that took place within these groups after the collapse of the Soviet Union which had a dramatic impact on their relations with their homelands.

Keywords

Caucasian Diaspora, The North Caucasus, Turkish Foreign Policy.

Citation

Çelikpala, Mitat, “Caucasian Diaspora in Turkey and Its Impact on Turkish Foreign Policy”, International Relations, Volume 2, Issue 5 (Spring 2005), pp. 71-108.

Affiliations

• Mitat Çelikpala, Assoc. Prof. Dr., Hacettepe University, Department of International Relations