Transition from diasporic to post-diasporic policies: Turkish migrants in Germany, Duisburg, and Essen

This study critically examines the Turkish community’s position in Germany through the lens of “post-diaspora,” offering an alternative to conventional diaspora frameworks and citizenship arguments. Drawing on a mixed-methods design that includes surveys and in-depth interviews with Turkish civil society actors in Duisburg and Essen, the study investigates migrants’ legal expectations, engagement with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and transnational relations with Turkey. Findings reveal a general disillusionment with civil society organizations due to experiences of mistrust, political bias, and insufficient institutional transparency. While participants maintain strong symbolic and legal ties to Turkey, they demonstrate limited grassroots mobilization and civic participation in Germany. This tension highlights the inadequacy of host- and homeland-centered diaspora policies in addressing migrants’ evolving needs. By adopting the concept of post-diaspora, the paper underscores the demand for equal citizenship rights and transparent, rights-based governance in both countries. The study calls for a shift from symbolic diaspora policies toward legal, inclusive, and participatory mechanisms that reflect the complex realities of transnational migrant communities. This research aims to contribute not only to diaspora studies but also to citizenship debates.