Challenges faced by Turkish male migrants in participating in social life in Denmark

The structures that constitute the social sphere inherently encompass various social and cultural elements. Individuals sustain their lives within the regulated frameworks of every socially constructed structure and system, primarily shaped by the cultural and identity components that form their past. Following migration, as many aspects of social life undergo transformation or disruption in a foreign country, migrants are compelled to cope with the challenges brought about by adapting to a new social life in an unfamiliar environment. In this context, the aim of the study is to analyze the challenges faced by Turkish migrants who migrated from Turkey to Denmark in participating in social life after migration. The difficulties of starting life anew and experiences of discrimination are examined within the scope of the research. Data were collected through interviews and observations. A total of 15 in-depth interviews were conducted with Turkish migrants, and various observations were carried out over the course of one month in Aarhus, Denmark, focusing on certain migrants. According to the findings, participants reported feeling as if they were reborn or starting life anew after migration. It was observed that, following migration, the majority of participants’ social circles consisted of individuals who shared the same cultural background. Additionally, they experienced various forms of discrimination within society, leading them to perceive themselves as 'others' in Denmark. To emphasize their sense of otherness and to refer to their experiences as dark-skinned individuals in Denmark, they frequently used the metaphor of 'kara kafa' (black head). This study aims to shed light on the challenges faced by Turkish migrants in navigating the social life of a foreign country through concepts such as culture, identity, belonging, discrimination, and integration, and is expected to contribute to the migration literature.