Bobos in Turkey: manifestations of the bourgeois bohemian lifestyle in Istanbul

Abstract

This study examines bourgeois bohemians (called "Bobos") in Turkey, a newly emergent upper class group in the global context. It takes as its focus a group of educated, creative, young professionals who earn high incomes in the information or creative sectors and choose to live in the gentrified neighborhoods of Istanbul. Bobos in Turkey are similar to other upper class groups that emerged after the 1980s such as Yuppies or "White Turks"; however, they diverge from them with the new status codes that merge bohemianism, sophistication and wealth. This study firstly analyzes the historical processes that paved the way for the emergence of the bourgeois bohemian class on the global and local levels. Then, by focusing on the new lifestyle developed by the Bobos in Turkey, it examines the new "distinction" codes that have been created through family background, consumption philosophy, cultural capital, food culture and location preferences. The research is based on interviews made with a sample group and on observations of recent socio-cultural changes in Istanbul. Some journals and newspaper supplements helped in the clarification of the subject as well. As a conclusion of this study it was observed that the composition of the upper class structure in Turkey is diversified. Furthermore, it is also recognized that the strategies of becoming part of the upper class and distinguishing from other classes have changed. In this respect, it is indicated that creative and intellectual capital is the most important tool of distinction in the contemporary upper class formation.