The Settlement of Meskhetian Turks in Üzümlü: An Examination of 10-Year Socio-Economic Outcomes

This study examines the ten-year social cohesion and socio-economic outcomes of Meskhetian Turks who were settled in the Erzincan-Üzümlü district under Türkiye's kinsmen state policy following the security crisis in Ukraine. Employing a mixed-methods design, the research collected data through surveys administered to 150 Meskhetian Turks and 150 local residents, complemented by in-depth interviews with 10 participants from each community. The findings suggest that the Meskhetian Turks participating in this study have largely embraced Erzincan as their permanent homeland, and that a significant level of social integration has been achieved. However, this harmony is contrasted by social distance regarding intermarriage at the adult level and profound differences in economic perception. While the local population views the settlement as an economic revitalization, they perceive state benefits for Meskhetian Turks as "positive discrimination," leading to concerns about social justice. Furthermore, it was determined that employment initiatives like the greenhouse project are insufficient to cover the entire population, and as a result, widespread unemployment persists as the most critical economic issue, especially among the youth. Meskhetian Turks struggle with financial hardship, which compels men to seek work outside the district. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that the settlement project in Üzümlü holds the potential to become a successful integration model, contingent upon supporting Meskhetian Turks with permanent employment and implementing transparent policies that restore the local population's sense of justice. This would serve as proof of how social harmony can be rendered sustainable through economic development.