Belonging, Mourning, Mobilising: The Affective Politics of Kurdish Diasporic Communities in Europe
The movement of displaced and diasporic populations is reshaping the social, political, and cultural landscapes of our world. These communities, navigating the intersections of state violence, forced migration, and transnational activism, challenge conventional notions of identity, belonging, and political mobilization. While much scholarly attention has focused on the structural and institutional dimensions of displacement, less emphasis has been placed on the emotional and affective dynamics that underpin the lived experiences of these communities. My project explores these affective dimensions within Kurdish diasporic communities, examining how emotions, memory, and cultural practices – specifically hevaltî (friendship), mourning, and Newroz celebrations – sustain political subjectivities and foster solidarity across generations and geographies. Focusing on Kurdish diaspora hubs in Berlin, Brussels, and Geneva, this research investigates how these practices enable Kurdish communities to navigate displacement, state violence, and exclusion, while also imagining alternative futures. The project contributes to transnational mobilization, diaspora studies, and affect theory by addressing how emotions and cultural practices shape collective identities and political engagement. Methodologically, the research integrates ethnographic fieldwork, oral history, and archival research to explore lived experiences of solidarity, resistance, and identity. This study not only advances our understanding of Kurdish political mobilization but also offers insights into the broader processes of diaspora politics and the transformative potential of affective ties in global social movements.
