Between Passports and Belongings

Armenian citizenship acquisition among Armenians of Turkey

Bibliographic Data

ID4524839
AuthorsHrag Papazian (0000-0002-1254-8140, Independent researcher, corresponding author), Salim Aykut Öztürk (Independent researcher)
Year2023
Volume27
Issue4
Pages481-497
Publication date2023-05-19
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueCitizenship Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1362-1025 • E-ISSN: 1469-3593
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13621025.2022.2151571
OpenAlexW4310530791
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited47

Armenians of Turkey have recently been applying for citizenship in Armenia in growing numbers. Based on research in Istanbul and Yerevan, we examine the contextual developments in both countries that contributed to the emergence of this practice, the motivations that Armenian citizenship applicants are guided by, and the implications of the process on their feelings and expressions of belonging. This move of many Armenians of Turkey appears to be mostly a strategic choice motivated by recent developments in the two countries (2015-2020). The Armenian passport is seen as a tool that could enable mobility from increasingly precarious Turkey. However, our analysis also reveals dimensions and implications of this praxis that transcend mere instrumentalism and relate to affective realms of belonging. To some of its holders, the newly acquired Armenian citizenship represents an opportunity or hope for a fully recognised belonging, in contrast to their traditional step-citizenship in Turkey

Ancient history · Armenian · Citizenship · Epistemology · Instrumentalism · Political science · Politics · Sociology · Gender Studies · History · Law · Middle East Politics and Society · Migration, Refugees, and Integration · Turkey's Politics and Society

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