Cultural Determinants of Transnational Political Mobilization: Evidence from Turkish Religious Organizations in Germany and France

Turkish mass emigration to Western Europe started around 1960s and displayed different patterns of ethnic and religious issues, mainly in Germany and France. Alongside the 2012 remote enfranchisement, it brought together a unique form of diaspora mobilization by/for Turkish parties (AKP and CHP), as well as diaspora organizations’ mobilization for Turkish parties (HDP). Religious diaspora-based associations and their interests in supporting homeland parties are still understudied. This article explores the cultural determinants of political engagement to faith-based emigrant organizations in relation to extra-territorial turnout. It contributes to the literature that attempts to comprehend the cultural determinants of remote enfranchisement and sheds light on the significant role of religion in the context of diaspora political mobilization.