Migration and shifting borders: Re-conceptualizing non-citizens in Turkey

This thesis developed out of years of interest in questions of borders, citizenship and population movements. It was during an M.A Sociology class with my advisor Dr. Ian Morrison that my ideas and questions on citizenship and migration came together, and I found myself deeply engaged in this topic. The time he has dedicated to discussing ideas and questions has been invaluable, as has his guidance, feedback and support throughout this process. This thesis would not have been possible without his continued effort for which I am grateful. I would like to thank my professors, Dr. Ibrahim Awad, Dr. Usha Natarajan and Dr. Alexandra Parrs in the Migration and Refugee Studies Program at the American University in Cairo for tackling this complex and ever evolving field from a variety of perspectives and disciplines; the inter-disciplinary nature of this program has been incredibly eye-opening and informative on multiple levels. I would also like to extend my specific gratitude to Dr. Awad and Dr. Natarajan for their time and effort as members of my thesis committee. I would also like to thank the researchers and coordinators working in the Center for Migration and Refugee Studies, specifically Maysa Ayoub, Eman Moursy and Naseem Hashim, who have facilitated short-course trainings, conferences, and lectures and provided endless logistical support throughout my two years. Without the Ryoichi Sasakawa Young Leaders Fellowship Fund, this Master of Arts would not have been possible. I am grateful to have been awarded this opportunity to study and research such a critical field at the Center for Migration and Refugee Studies in Cairo. Lastly, I would like to thank my family for being my sounding board as I worked through ideas and questions and for having an endless amount of moral support, and my partner for his patience, support and encouragement through my research and writing.