Patriotism Through the Eyes of Afghan Primary School Students in Turkey

The aim of the research is to investigate the patriotic understanding of Afghan refugee children and to discover their perception of patriotism towards their homeland and their host country. It is a case study. The population of the study consists of Afghan refugee students studying at Cahit Ziya Ulukök and Hayrettinpasa Primary Schools in Erzincan province 2018-2019 academic year. The study group consists of 16 students. Focus group interview and semi-structured interview form was used. The data were evaluated with descriptive analysis method. Drawing and explanations of students such as; my beautiful school, Turkish Flag, and free/strong Turkey. The definition of patriotism, becoming a martyr for the motherland, doing one’s duty for the motherland, love for Turkey are grouped into three sub-themes. We have found out that Afghan students’ have forgotten their own cultural identity thus have no sense of attachment to their homeland since they were not born in Afghanistan and also memories related to Afghanistan seem to be absent. Results indicate that they lead a peaceful life in Turkey due to the effective training and education that the host country provided them. All in all, they have positive feelings about Turkey and the Turkish people. Also it should be added that Afghan students in question have begun to embrace Turkey as their homeland.