Mandatory exchange of populations between Turkey and Greece in 1923 was embodied at the Lausanne Conference in Switzerland. The forced transfer of people during the early years of the new Turkish...Show moreMandatory exchange of populations between Turkey and Greece in 1923 was embodied at the Lausanne Conference in Switzerland. The forced transfer of people during the early years of the new Turkish Republic exemplified the nationalist sentiments of the time. This compulsory transfer was not based on language or ethnicity of people, but on religion. During the time of Turkish identity construction and the execution of Turkification policies, Muslim refugees —comprising not only Turks but also other ethnic groups— had to (re)adjust to their “homelands”. In this context, this thesis examines the detrimental effects of nation-building processes on the (minority) immigrant population from a historical and socio-political perspective. By analyzing the adjustment of Muslim refugees to their life in Turkey, more specifically in the town of Kayaköy/Fethiye, this study aims to contribute to the broader field of politics by shedding more light on the effects of nationalism on minority groups.Show less
