Distance beyond the border: Kurds of Syria and Turkey in Istanbul
Distance beyond the border: Kurds of Syria and Turkey in Istanbul

Author(s): Souad Osseiran
Subject(s): Geography, Regional studies, Migration Studies, Inter-Ethnic Relations, Politics and Identity, Peace and Conflict Studies
Published by: Transnational Press London
Keywords: Turkey; Istanbul; Syria; Kurds; social and political relations;
Summary/Abstract: This chapter explores the social and political relations of Kurds from Syria and Turkey, who were living together in a neighbourhood in Istanbul. Kurds from Qamishli in Syria have relatives across the border in Turkey. They are kin who have been separated in the creation of the two nation states. The border did not deter continued ties, marriage, movement and exchange between them. As a consequence of the conflict in Syria, many Syrian nationals came to Istanbul to make their lives there. For many of those with family on the Turkish side of the border, they chose to settle in areas where their Turkish relative are living. For many, it is their first extended encounter with the Kurds of Turkey- their kin from across the border- while others have continuously come and gone to Istanbul for various reasons.

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