Dying Abroad: The Political Afterlives of Migration in Europe

The remains of deceased migrants are shipped around the world to be buried in ancestral soils or in countries of settlement, raising questions about the meaning of home and homeland. Dying Abroad offers a powerful account of migrants' end-of-life dilemmas, illustrating how they are connected to ongoing political struggles over citizenship, belonging, and collective identity in contemporary Europe.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 06 April 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The remains of countless deceased migrants are transported across the globe, to be laid to rest in ancestral soils. Some find their final resting places in countries of settlement, often in cemeteries specifically designated for religious and ethnic minorities, where space is available. For immigrants and their descendants, the questions of home and homeland acquire a heightened significance in the aftermath of death. In times of contested national boundaries, burial decisions become political acts, reflecting the intricate interplay between nation-states and their members.

Drawing from extensive fieldwork conducted in Berlin and Istanbul, where the author worked as an undertaker, Dying Abroad offers a poignant and compelling exploration of the end-of-life dilemmas faced by migrants. Through vivid illustrations, it sheds light on the intricate connections between these dilemmas and ongoing political struggles over the stakes of citizenship, belonging, and collective identity in contemporary Europe.

The book begins by delving into the experiences of migrants who find themselves in foreign lands, often facing the challenges of cultural displacement, language barriers, and social isolation. It explores the emotional toll that these experiences take on their lives and the difficult decisions they must make when it comes to their final resting place.

One of the key themes of the book is the complex relationship between migration and identity. The author argues that the process of migration often shapes and reshapes individuals' sense of self, challenging traditional notions of nationality and belonging. Migrants may find themselves navigating multiple identities, blending their cultural heritage with the customs and traditions of their new home.

Burial decisions become particularly political in these contexts, as they often reflect the broader political struggles surrounding citizenship, belonging, and collective identity. The author highlights how burial practices can serve as a means of asserting cultural identity, preserving cultural heritage, and resisting assimilation into dominant societies.

Furthermore, Dying Abroad explores the role of state authorities and policymakers in shaping burial practices and the rights of migrants. It sheds light on the complexities of regulating migration and the challenges faced by migrants in accessing proper burial arrangements, particularly in countries with limited resources and infrastructure.

The book also raises important ethical considerations surrounding the treatment of deceased migrants. It questions the commodification of death and the commercialization of burial services, which can exacerbate the inequalities faced by migrants and their families. It advocates for a more compassionate and inclusive approach to the care and burial of deceased migrants, recognizing their unique experiences and needs.

In conclusion, Dying Abroad is a thought-provoking and deeply empathetic exploration of the end-of-life dilemmas faced by migrants. Through its vivid illustrations and insightful analysis, the book offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of the complex relationship between migration, identity, and the politics of burial. It sheds light on the experiences of migrants and their descendants, highlighting the importance of compassion, inclusivity, and respect for the diverse identities and experiences of those who make up our global community.

Weight: 512g
Dimension: 159 x 238 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009288583