ETHNIC IDENTITY AND PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF DEPORTED AHISKA TURKS

Abstract

The topic of deportation and forced migration continue to be a relevant topic at all centuries. An analysis of scientific literature showed that there are limited studies aimed at determining the psychological and ethnic characteristics of forcibly deported people. Therefore, the purpose of the current article is to discuss the ethnic identities and psychological characteristics of the deported Ahiska Turks. First of all, the concept of deportation and its effects on the cultural and social life of deportees were defined. After that, the definition of ethnic identity was considered and the stages of its formation were characterized. In order to better understand the ethnic identity and psychological characteristics of the Ahiska Turks, the history of these people was briefly described. As a result, it was determined that this ethnic minority was a descendant of the Turks. However, it was also found that Ahiska Turks are a bicultural and bi/trilingual ethnic group. Furthermore, it has been shown that representatives of this ethnic minority passed through uncertainty, shame, doubt, guilt, loneliness, despair and other psychological issues. Nevertheless, Ahiska Turks who suffered all the difficulties were identified with such qualities as social cohesion, endurance, hard-working, productivity, the ability to be open to new relationships, quickly adapt to a new society and friendly co-exist with different ethnics.