ABSTRACT
Through an investigation of identity-based political claims, groups, and activities in response to the Syrian war and Turkey’s involvement, this chapter first demonstrates that politicization of sectarian identity and fear of violence compel ethno-religious groups in Antakya to confront the state to protect themselves. The revival of retrospective political and cultural struggle subverts the state in new ways and leaves a cultural imprint on resistance through identity politics in response to Turkey’s Syria policies. Second, it examines cultural revival of Arabness, particularly among the Alawite youth after the Syrian civil war. It argues that the Turkish government’s Syria and border policies render ethno-religious identities the only viable marker for political claims for different sectarian groups in Antakya.
