Paper short abstract:

This paper addresses the digital change that Moroccan residents of Istanbul experienced due to the ubiquitous use of mobile devices. The aim of this ethnographic study is to explore how such devices facilitate the building of networks and the fostering of mutual support.

Paper long abstract:

Following the free trade agreement between Morocco and Turkey in 2006, increasing numbers of Moroccan nationals traveled to the Turkish metropolis Istanbul. This paper addresses the digital change that Moroccan residents of Istanbul experienced due to the ubiquitous use of mobile devices, such as smart phones and tablet PCs, in their everyday lives. Based on participant observation and semi-structured interviewing, the ethnographic study examines digital practices in depth. The main aim of this paper is to explore how mobile devices facilitate the building of networks and the fostering of mutual support. By analyzing digital culture on expat websites, social networking sites, and travel blogs, the paper describes how the intertwining of the physical world and digital spaces reshaped the everyday of Moroccan residents of Istanbul. For numerous Moroccans residing in the mega city mobile devices play a central role in keeping in touch with their families back in Morocco, arranging leisure activities, and searching for local jobs. By and large, the use of mobile devices increases their access to information and individual freedom. However, the case study also brings the institutional power of the Turkish state and its willingness to block web content to light. Finally, the investigation into the use of mobile devices raises a number of ethical concerns. Reflecting on the negotiation of informed consent in the digital and the anonymization of digital information in public presentations, the paper also discusses avenues for good practice in digital research.