Paper short abstract:

The research explores the 'return' of the second generation Germany-born Turks to Antalya, a tourism hub in the southern Turkey. Based on 50 in-depth interviews, the narratives reflect that searching for a 'home' and 'better life' have a greater importance throughout their 'return' journey.

Paper long abstract:

The Turkish labour migration to Germany has evolved into four generations in the last 55 years. However, the number of Turkish resettling in Turkey has been rapidly increasing. This research uses a lifestyle-migration lens to explore the 'return' of the second generation to their parents' country of origin. However, instead of settling in cities/villages of their parents or big cities like Istanbul and Ankara, this particular group consciously chose a tourism hub, Antalya. The premise of the research is that the 'returnees' particularly value the intercultural and social setting of Antalya with its many foreign, especially German, tourists and residents. According to the thematic analysis of 50 in-depth interviews, the narratives reflect that the second generation saw in Antalya a place where they can (re-)invent a 'home' in which their dual identities, bilingual skills and translocal ties can co-exist. Moreover, they can mobilise their human capital of educational qualifications, language skills and life experience to set up or get jobs in the tourism industries, combining work with a relaxed attitude to life. Alongside these practical considerations of seeking a better work-life balance, were more existential themes of (re-)discovering their 'true selves' and (re-)inventing the meaning of 'home' in this cosmopolitan niche. The research aims to highlight that in the case of second generation Germany-born Turks, economic factors per se are not the determinant of the 'return' decisions; but being able to manifest their dualities carry a higher importance.