TURKISH DIASPORA Meaning and
Definition
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The term "Turkish diaspora" refers to the collective group of Turkish individuals and communities residing outside of Turkey. It refers to the dispersion of Turkish people beyond the borders of their homeland, resulting from various historical events, such as migration, exile, or economic opportunities. This diaspora encompasses a diverse range of individuals, including Turkish immigrants, their descendants, and Turkish citizens residing abroad.
The Turkish diaspora is widespread, with significant populations found in countries across the globe. These communities can be found in neighboring countries like Germany, the Netherlands, France, Greece, and Bulgaria, as well as in countries further afield, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and various countries in the Middle East, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. In some cases, such as in Germany, the Turkish diaspora is one of the largest immigrant communities present in the host country.
Members of the Turkish diaspora often maintain strong ties with their Turkish heritage and culture, while also adapting to their new surroundings. They may establish community organizations, cultural centers, and clubs to preserve their traditions, language, and identity. Moreover, the Turkish government has taken steps to maintain relations with its diaspora, including providing consular services, supporting cultural events, and promoting Turkish language education.
Overall, the Turkish diaspora reflects both the historical and contemporary movements of Turkish individuals abroad, as well as their experiences, contributions, and the challenges they face in maintaining their Turkish identity while living in diverse cultural contexts.
Etymology of TURKISH DIASPORA
The word "Turkish" refers to the people, culture, or language associated with Turkey, which is a country located mainly in Western Asia and a small part in Southeast Europe. It comes from the Old Turkic word "Türk", meaning "strong" or "leader".
The term "diaspora" originates from the Greek word "diaspeirein", which means "to scatter" or "to sow". It refers to the dispersion or migration of a particular group of people from their homeland to other regions or countries.
When combined, the term "Turkish diaspora" refers to the scattered or dispersed Turkish population living outside of Turkey. It encompasses Turkish individuals and communities who have migrated and settled in various parts of the world, maintaining their Turkish identity and cultural ties.
