Contextualizing Russian Diaspora: A Historical Trajectory in Turkey

Summary This article examines the historical development of the Russian diaspora and its ties with Turkey, analyzing the migration trends, socio-political influences, and key events that have shaped their presence in the country. It analyzes the causes and impacts of emigration from Russia to Turkey, from the waves of migration following the dissolution of the Soviet Union to the more recent influx driven by the war in Ukraine. The article highlights the socio-political context of these migrations and their role in reshaping Russian diaspora. It explores different periods, including the White Russian exodus, Stalin-era deportations, the migration of political dissidents, and the economic transitions of the post-Soviet period that triggered further migration. Additionally, focusing on Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the study explores the resulting migration waves, the demographic structure of the Russian diaspora in Turkey, their settlement patterns, and return migration tendencies, analyzing these developments within the broader historical context of migration since the establishment of the Soviet Union. The development of the Russian diaspora and the case of Turkey are analyzed through its historical transformation, a perspective not yet explored comprehensively in the existing literature. Key Words: Russian Diaspora, migration pattern, Turkey, Russia