The conflict between two identities
Arab Turks, especially Alawites, generally maintain a strong Arab identity: they frequently speak Arabic and try to pass it on to their children.
However, Alawites face the challenge of convincing the younger generation to maintain their Arab roots and uphold their customs and traditions, a dynamic that stems from the Turkish government’s efforts to erase Alawite identity and the increasing influence of Turkish culture and nationalism on new generations.
SK, a 52-year-old woman from Ankara, told FANAC: “When I was young, many in my family were fluent in Arabic and conversations often included stories about and about relatives in Syria. Things have changed and Arabic is now mainly limited to the older generation,” she added. “This situation is very disturbing and worrying. It reflects the Turkish state’s intentions since the annexation of the Sanjak of Alexandretta.”
“But we must strive for further integration into Turkish society. This is especially important because integration can pave the way for our children to achieve their dreams and protect them from potential conflicts with the Turkish government and other extremist forces in the region,” she stressed.
