This thesis analyzes the integration process of Iraqi Turkomans living in Ankara and how social networks effect these processes. The reasons of their migration from Iraq after 1980s and the migration process are also discussed in order to clarify their level of integration in Turkey. The research for this thesis is based on the analysis of questionnaires and in-depth interviews that were done with the members of Iraqi Turks Culture and Assistance Association and who have close relations with it. It was thought that strong networks among family members and friends would be a facilitating factor for their integration to different aspects of social life such as housing and labour market, social security and health system, education system in Turkey. It is found that besides social networks / cultural and linguistic similarities of Turkomans plays an important role for their integration process. More importantly, acquiring Turkish citizenship is a crucial factor to participate to social life and makes integration easier.

This study is a historical analysis of Turkish-Iraqi relations from the Gulf War of 1990 up to the Iraqi elections of 2005 and the end of Transitional Administration Law (TAL) and prior to the permanent constitution. This study attempted to explain how Turkish-Iraqi relations entered into a new phase with the Gulf War of 1990. In this year, Iraq invaded Kuwait. Following this invasion, Iraq was attacked by coalition forces and at the end of this war, Iraq was nearly divided when a safe haven was created for the Kurds in northern Iraq. In this regard, this thesis paid attention to three factors that had significant impact on the foreign policy of Turkey towards Iraq: a de facto Kurdish state in northern part of this country and apprehension about the possibility of an independent Kurdish state, the existance of PKK in northern Iraq as a result of a power vacuum there and concerns about the future fate of Turkomans in Iraq and attempts to protect their rights. This study has demonstrated how Kurdish question has influenced Turkey&rsquo / s policy towards Iraq and restricted its options.