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Turkish Migrants as Urban Scale Makers in Transcultural Cities

(Supervisors: Michael Schönhuth, Trier / Peter Dörrenbächer, Saarland
Mentoring: Valérie Amiraux, Montréal)

The objective of my study is to comprehend the dynamics influencing the role of migrants in reshaping urban space in Cologne, Germany. Specifically, this research focuses on Turkish Germans who have resided in Germany and have established various establishments such as shops, restaurants, cultural centers, and associations, thereby influencing and transforming the urban landscape. Unlike studies that overlook the active involvement of migrants in urban development, this investigation places migrants at the core of the analysis, recognizing them as key contributors to the shaping of urban scales in contemporary cities.
This study seeks to delve into the types of identities and dispositions that Turkish Germans generate, considering them as influential figures on the urban scale. Employing the ethnographic method of in-depth interviews, the research explores the socio-spatial practices of Turkish Germans, aiming to identify dispositions and competencies associated with the transcultural nature of the city. Consequently, it traces the effects of everyday life experiences and exposure on the formation of transcultural spaces.
Drawing on narratives and practices observed in the everyday lives of Turkish Germans, this study reveals how they actively contribute to the development of a transcultural city. Additionally, it explores how they emerge as urban scale makers through their home-making practices, perceptions, and evaluations of city features. Utilizing data gathered from face-to-face interviews with first, second, and third-generation Turkish Germans, coupled with ethnographic fieldwork conducted in Cologne, this research provides an analytical framework for investigating their role in the restructuring of the urban landscape.