Ethnic conflict, wars and international migration of Turkmen: evidence from Iraq

Ibrahim Sirkeci, European Business School London

Abstract

Ethnic conflicts and wars have been a significant factor determining minority populations’ outflow from Iraq. Turkmen as such minority have been subjected to oppression. Limited economic opportunities combined with the effects of wars imposed an environment of insecurity on Turkmen. This has further facilitated and promoted emigration as it offered “opportunity frameworks” for capable segments of this particular ethnic group. This paper presents findings from a survey conducted in Iraq in 2004 reaching 1040 Turkmen households. Systematic discrimination and ongoing internal and international conflicts and wars forced Turkmen as well as others to flee.