Time Matters

Abstract

This article presents selected results from the analysis of marriage migration processes from Turkey to Germany, based on fieldwork and interviews conducted with intraethnic transnational couples. The findings indicate that the relationships of these transnational couples are marked by specificities due to the spatial distance between them and the legislation regulating spousal immigration to Germany. The marriage rituals differ from local marriages as the temporal spacing of events is adapted to the steps that have to be taken in order to obtain a family unification visa. The period during which the marriage migrant attends a language course in Turkey to prepare for the obligatory exam is particularly stressful. By combining the analysis of temporal aspects of marriage processes with perceptions and evaluations of individuals who are engaged in these relationships, the article provides a fine-grained picture of the dynamics of transnational intimate relationships in the premigration period.