| No 149
|
The Pomaks: A Religious Minority in the Balkans |
| Institution |
Graduate Institute of International Studies: 132 rue de Lausanne 1211 Geneva 21 Switzerland |
|
Publication (Journal) |
Nationalities Papers 24 no. 4 (December 1996): 727-742 |
| Published in |
U.K., 1996 |
| Language |
English |
| Abstract |
The multilevel group identity of the Pomaks (a religious minority of Bulgarian-speaking Muslims living in the Balkans) is examined. The dispersal of the Pomaks over five Balkan countries, coupled with the complicated politics of the region, has resulted in confusion over ethnic identity. A variety of factors impacting Pomak identity are highlighted: (1) membership in a small Pomak community; (2) membership in a universal Islamic community; and (3) Bulgarian roots either through language or citizenship. The impact of these factors and local and regional political issues on identity construction of Pomaks in Bulgaria, Macedonia, Greece, Albania, and Turkey is discussed. |
| Discipline(s) |
sociology
, demography
|
| Source(s) |
network analysis
, survey
|