DOES LOVE REALLY HAVE NO BOUNDARIES? ANALYZING THE MOTIVATIONS BEHIND KAZAKHSTANI WOMEN’S MARRIAGES TO TURKISH MEN

This study explores the motivations behind the marriages of Kazakhstani women to Turkish citizens and examines the broader implications of these unions, particularly regarding the emigration of highly qualified young Kazakhstani women of reproductive age. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study is based on in-depth interviews with 23 Kazakhstani women who have married Turkish men. The collected data were analyzed through text analysis to identify key patterns and drivers of these cross-national marriages. The findings reveal that the motivations for these marriages vary significantly. While love and emotional attachment play a crucial role, other factors such as economic stability, social security, and the perception of Turkish men as responsible family- oriented individuals also contribute to these marriage decisions. Additionally, sociocultural similarities between Kazakhstan and Türkiye, family influence, and religious alignment emerge as important determinants. Some women see marriage to a Turkish citizen as a means of personal development and access to better economic opportunities, while others emphasize the support, reliability, and traditional values they find in their Turkish partners. Given the growing trend of international marriages, the study highlights the need for further sociological and demographic research to assess the long-term impact of such unions on Kazakhstani society. It also calls for policies that address the social and economic factors influencing marriage migration.