Migration, Politics, and the Limits of Multiculturalism in a Turkish Museum

Abstract

The Bursa Immigration History Museum (BIHM) proudly celebrates the role that migrants have played in building a prosperous city. BIHM’s permanent exhibition aims to demonstrate that Bursa and Turkey’s multiculturalism has been and continues to be an important element of its strength. At the same time, as a state institution, BIHM creates a definitive version of the “migrant” that aligns with the vision of Turkey’s ruling party. In doing so, the museum emphasizes some migrants’ experiences, cast aspersions on others–and omits other entirely.