Paper short abstract:

In this paper I reflect on contemporary educational migration from Macedonia to Turkey. Basing on personal stories of the young scholars I describe their motivations and choices in wider context of transnational ties, strategies and Turkish policy towards former Ottoman countries.

Paper long abstract:

Educational migration from Macedonia to Turkey has a long tradition. Since Ottoman Empire it was a common practice to send the young people to educational centre, which was Istanbul. Today, in former Ottoman countries Turkey is sill perceived as economic and political power, and there are strong transnational ties between Turkey and those countries. One of the strategies undertaken by Turkey towards former Ottoman countries is compensational policy, also regarding educational field.

I this paper I concentrate on contemporary educational migration from Macedonia to Turkey. I describe the governmental fellowship program, in frame of which every year Turkey accepts dozens of young students from Macedonia. I present various institutions, through which young people enter this fellowship, as well as accompanying possibilities of learning in Turkey. Thereafter, basing on personal stories of the scholars who study or have studied in Turkey, I describe their personal strategies and motivations, and discuss possibilities which studying abroad gives to these young people. I also reflect on personal identifications and family ties of the scholars, as well as their place in transnational ties connecting Macedonia and Turkey since years. Therefore, I analyze personal strategies in wider historical, economic and political context. Finally, I reflect on scholarship program as a part of the transnational: social network and Turkish political strategy.

Key words: educational migration, transnational ties, personal stories, policy