Russian Compatriots in Turkey: Common and Special, Traditions and Innovations

DOI: 10.33876/2311-0546/2024-3/330-343

Abstract

This article examines the formation of various support organizations in Turkey by Russian compatriots. In the modern era, emigration, as a complex and hardly controlled process, represents one of the most pressing issues that requires scientific coverage. The topic of emigration from Russia is inextricably linked with the interaction of multiethnic and multiconfessional Russian compatriots with the host cultures around the world. In this article, the term "Russian compatriots" is used to refer to individuals who have emigrated from Russia or the CIS, including both Russians and members of Turkic ethnic groups in Russia. The study is based on the author’s field materials, comprising general observations and interviews with the chairmen of two cultural unions of Russian compatriots in Antalya. Furthermore, the article describes the functioning of the Private Moscow International School in Antalya and the museums that are housed within its premises. Additionally, the article dedicates a substantial portion to the Tatar-Bashkir communities in Turkey. While in emigration, Russian compatriots organize events to maintain their ethnic identity, and the established communities serve this purpose. Thus, the article examines the unity and national diversity of Russian compatriots in Turkey. What unites Russian compatriots is their common origin — their exodus from one country and a shared mentality. The differences among Russian compatriots are rooted in their diverse ethnic and religious affiliations.