Immigrant Cultural Assimilation: Analyzing Cultural Heritage and its Intergenerational Transmission among Türkiye’s Bosnian Population

This research examines the intangible cultural heritage of Türkiye’s Bosnian population to determine the extent to which it has sought to render that cultural legacy sustainable. The study uses a qualitative approach by analyzing data secured via interviews with the leadership of 22 Bosnian associations in Türkiye. Interviews were evaluated using content analysis facilitated by MAXQDA software, with 4 themes, 16 categories and 100 subcategories included within the scope of the study. The research findings are grouped under the following four themes: Bosnian culture, Bosnian traditions, lost Bosnian cultural values and the sustainability of cultural heritage. In general, the study found that Bosnians living in Türkiye have a rich food and beverage culture and see these as indispensable elements of their daily lives. Although Bosnian clothing culture includes a quite variety of articles, their use in daily life has decreased considerably. Bosnian custom includes very colorful traditions that take place on special occasions, like weddings, celebrations, funerals and the sending-off of soldiers. Although some of these traditions continue to be practiced today, a significant number are on the verge of disappearing. Those who try to preserve the Bosnian language seek to do so by organizing language courses, speaking it at home and providing opportunities for social interactions in Bosnian. Bosnians who organize festivals, celebrations and scientific events to ensure the sustainability of their culture have not lost hope of keeping their rich cultural heritage alive.