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Abstract

Turkey has a multifaceted policy towards “Turks abroad”, which include not only Turkish citizens and their descendants, but Turkish and Turkic peoples in different countries. Turkish citizens of various Turkic origins fall into both categories of “Turks abroad”, being “Turkish citizens” and so-called “compatriots” at the same time. Many Turkish citizens of Kazakh origin ended up in European countries mainly as a part of Turkish labor migration, and are simultaneously within the scope of Turkey’s and Kazakhstan’s diaspora policies. There are also cooperation activities of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). Previous studies on this particular group of Kazakhs in Europe explored cultural ties and attachments to both countries and their multi-layered understandings of identity. This study aims to explore how Turkish diaspora engagement policies influence the identity and belonging of these particular group of Kazakhs in Europe. In addition to activities and religious services provided by Turkish governmental and non-governmental institutions, cooperation on diaspora issues within the OTS will be scrutinized. The study draws on Turkish official documents, interviews with Turkish officials and Kazakh diaspora leaders and representatives.