International Migration Review
Reverse or Reflexive Transnationalism? Second-Generation Turkish-Germans’ Engagements With “Here” and “There” After Return Migration
2026-09-08
This article examines how second-generation Turkish-German “return” migrants navigate life in their parents’ homeland and construct various transnational reorientations due to the mismatches between their return expectations and the post-return realities of living in Turkey. Based on the life-story narratives of 71 participants, the findings show that the second generation’s return often results in multiple challenges and, in some cases, profound disillusionment. In response to the realization that the return does not provide a complete sense of homecoming, they start engaging in practices of “reverse transnationalism,” reorienting them toward Germany, where they were born and raised. These practices include visits to Germany, pursuing careers where they can use the German language, building social networks with other German-speakers, and integrating aspects of the German mentality and lifestyle into their professional, social, and family lives. Some contemplate a “re-return” to Germany, but this depends on citizenship. Others re-evaluate the attractions of both countries in a more complex form of what we term reflexive transnationalism . The article concludes that both physical and symbolic acts of reverse and reflexive transnationalism help second-generation returnees to adapt to the challenges posed by the social, economic, and political realities of their ancestral homeland.