Production of Space and Social Cohesion: Roma, Iraqis, and Locals in the Ankara Neighborhood of Demirlibahce

Keywords: Production of space, Social cohesion, Forced migration, neo-Ottomanism, Mimesis, Exclusion
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Tuesday
Session Start / End Time: 3/1/2022 11:20 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 3/1/2022 12:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 28

Abstract

This research investigates the production of space through socio-spatial transformations that specific streets of Ankara’s Demirlibahce Neighborhood have been experiencing. By focusing mainly on four streets appropriated by three communities – Roma, Iraqi migrants from Telafer, and locals – it is firstly aimed to scrutinize how the production of space in particular streets hampers possible social cohesion at the local level. These streets display ongoing and contentious spatial practices since the massive influx of Iraqi migrants in 2014. Therefore, based on ethnographic field research, the study secondly investigates to what extent immigrants’ spatial practices concretize their sense of homeplace, while in return creating differential spaces within the streets where preexisting social cohesion between the locals and Roma is reshaped. Conducting 60 in total in-depth and group interviews based on convenience and snow-ball sampling, it is aimed to describe, and critically engage with the social cohesion studies and projects. Eventually, the study tries to lay out ongoing socio-spatial transformations within Demirlibahce Neighborhood through tracing immigrants’ social cohesion processes in/to space and community.