Paper short abstract:

Based on fieldwork carried out from 2011 to 2014 in Lebanon and Georgia, this paper examines increased religious revivals by reference to recent migration waves following the recent wars in Iraq and Syria.

Paper long abstract:

Based on fieldwork carried out from 2011 to 2014 in Lebanon and Georgia, this paper examines increased religious revivals by reference to recent migration waves following the recent wars in Iraq and Syria. The paper compares the way the Yezidi community entered into Christian Georgia and the way that Muslims and Christians of various denominations entry into Lebanon have been conducted and constructed different outcomes. On the one hand, in Lebanon, immigration led to increased polarization as the dynamics followed established sectarian routes leading to refugees clustering in homogeneous areas. On the other hand, in Georgia, immigration strengthened the Yezidi community which started making political demands in the host country. This paper will aim to shed light on the determinants that explain refugees' choices and locals' reactions.