Femicide in Turkey: Exploring the nexus of migration and patriarchal governance

The idea that femicide is a social problem is deeply linked to political, cultural and legal frameworks. Patriarchal attitudes, migration patterns and the inadequacies of legal frameworks have all had an impact on femicide rates in Turkey. Emphasizing on femicide in the context of rural to urban migration this study investigates the connections within legal institutions, societal views and gender based violence. This research explores how Turkey’s legal frameworks confront and sometimes support patriarchal institutions that sustain violence against women. This research is based on document analysis and qualitative interviews with academics, human rights activists and platforms, and legal professionals. It concludes that although laws are placed to protect women, they are often ineffectively applied and with defenses like “unjust provocation” and emotional distress reducing the responsibility of those who violate them. The study emphasizes how internal mobility affects femicide rates, arguing that migrant women in cities are more vulnerable due to the lack of proper legal protections and support networks. This study contributes on how national governance and cultural norms have established legal and policy frameworks that fail to sufficiently address femicide in Turkey. It promotes a more comprehensive, human rights based strategy for femicide prevention and gender justice by sharing insights into the wider repercussions of migration, gender inequality and the part played by legal institutions in sustaining violence against women.