Acculturation strategies of Uzbek labour migrants in Istanbul

Abstract

This research aims to investigate Uzbek labour migrants’ experiences in Istanbul within the concept of acculturation. Following the migration, various acculturation models are constructed. As a consequence, strategies that migrants choose or forced to choose are subject to change according to time and category of place (workplace/outside workplace). Acculturation is highly affected by work and life places and can dominate one to another. In this research, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with Uzbek labour migrants (n = 12) at their workplaces in the Asian side of Istanbul. Their inside and outside group practices and changes considering time/place differences were investigated. Their developed strategies are discussed considering migration patterns and cultural features.