Paper short abstract:

This contribution analyzes the position of Rome in the geography of the Bangladeshi migrations, starting from an ethnographical research carried out between 2007 and 2015, in order to focus on the interconnection between transnational spaces and local dimensions in the life trajectories of migrants.

Paper long abstract:

This contribution is based on an ethnographical research on the migrations from Bangladesh to Italy carried out between 2007 and 2015, and aims to analyze the position of the city of Rome in the geography of the migratory process, focusing especially on the interconnection between transnational spaces and local dimensions in the life trajectories of probashi, the Bangladeshi migrants.

In the 90s of the twentieth century Rome suddenly became the epicentre of the Italian migratory system for Bangladeshi, and currently remains a fundamental turning point, although having in part lost his role of favorite destination. From the capital city probashi can try to proceed toward more prestigious international destinations, toward other Italian cities, rather than settle in and enter the local worlds of this polycentric metropolis. But Rome is also the centre of temporary movements, with more or less periodical departures and returns. For transnational migrants the Eternal City is part of a pendular itinerary in the global ecumene, for many others is a helter shelter, a secure place to come back from the North Italy in a period of unexpected irregularity, thanks to his lack of police controls and to his urban characteristics, while for seasonal laborers is the pivot on which turns a periodical movement that connects Rome with a regional system, rather than with a national network involving many touristic destinations.