Since 2003, the Turkmens of Iraq have sought to preserve their identity with a strong desire to integrate into the social and cultural environment, which has manifested in their entry into non-Turkmen political parties and antipathy from those who view them as a minority in the country. This duality has shaped Turkmen behavior, ranging from a rush to integrate with the broader surroundings on one hand to a turning inward on the other because of an inability to confront larger groups.

This study seeks to reveal the Turkmens’ self-understanding of their situation and their aspirations, and what their future should be in Iraq, based an analytical survey approach reliant on direct interviews with “elites,” from activists, academics, media figures, members of political parties.