Transformation of Identity among Slavic Muslim Pomaks in Bulgaria and Georgian Muslim Ajarians in Georgia: A Comparative Analysis

Alter Kahraman and Ayşegül Aydıngün

Journal of Balkan and Near Eastern Studies, 2025, vol. 27, issue 2, 149-171

Abstract: This article comparatively analyses the identity transformation of Pomaks and Ajarians, two Muslim minorities living with Orthodox majorities. Based on semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted in Bulgaria and Georgia, it is argued that minorities who share more commonalities with the titular community have great difficulty with integrating into the national identity. That is, Pomaks and Ajarians, whose religious affiliations differ from the titular community, are more discriminated against than other minorities. This article also discusses how state policies such as name changes and conversions directed to both minorities have had a vital impact on their identity transformation. It further discusses the varying forms of boundary maintenance. Pomaks adopted various identities due to their interactions with different groups unlike Ajarians, who adopted only the Georgian identity.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1080/19448953.2024.2352332

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