ABSTRACT
In this research I explore Alevi identity and how it interacts with other identities and creates boundaries in the context of immigration to Britain. I use empirical data based on ethnographic fieldwork, which I conducted mainly in London and partially in İstanbul from July 2012 to August 2013. My data involves 14 interviews with community leaders in Turkey, 42 interviews with first-generation Alevi immigrants in Britain and field notes based on participant observation. The qualitative data enabled me to derive in-depth information and see Alevi identity from Alevis’ point of view. In order to reflect the diversity within the community I interviewed both men and women coming from various hometowns in Turkey and differing in age, ethnicity, economic status and education background. I also included people who are affiliated with Alevi institutions or hometown associations and those who are not affiliated with those. My main focus is Alevis in Britain; however, identity building occurs in a complex web of transnational relations within the dialogue between multiple localities. With this research I aim to contribute to the understanding of boundaries in the migration context.
