FROM ‘GUEST-WORKERS’ TO ‘MUSLIMS’: Representations of Turkish-Origin Migrants in Europe

Abstract

This chapter scrutinises the ways in which Turkey-originated migrants have been labelled, framed, and represented by the state actors of both countries of origin and destination. The main premise of the chapter is that, despite these state-endorsed labels and framings, migrants and their descendants have constructed their own identities and become active citizens in their countries of settlement. Since Turkey-originated migrants are ethno-culturally, religiously, politically, and economically diverse, these regimes of labelling have impacted them differently. Based on the earlier and ongoing fieldworks of the author, the desk research, archival research, and existing statistical data, this chapter demonstrates how the labelling, framings, and representations of the Turkish state actors and the receiving states in western Europe have contributed to the process of transforming ‘guest-workers’ to ‘Muslims.’. © 2024 Taylor & Francis.