Turkey’s New Horizon: Turks Abroad and Related Communities
Turkey’s New Horizon: Turks Abroad and Related Communities

Author(s): Kemal Yurtnaç
Subject(s): Government/Political systems, International relations/trade, Migration Studies
Published by: Atatürk Stratejik Araştırmalar Enstitüsü
Summary/Abstract: Across the world, there are many countries that have established institutions to serve and engage with their citizens and kin living abroad. Such institutions are called Diaspora Ministry/ Department in some cases, while in others they operate as independent units under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Progressively, Turkey also went through a similar process. Parallel to the activism in its foreign relations, Turkey’s awareness and ties with the citizens and kin communities beyond its borders have seen an enormous increase. On the one hand, millions of Turkish people have emigrated to various countries, while maintaining their citizenship ties to Turkey. On the other hand, given the unique historical experience of the Turkish Republic, its people enjoy ethnic, religious and cultural ties with several other communities throughout the world. At the same time, with the rising quality of its secondary and higher education institutions, Turkey has been a major destination of international students seeking a better education abroad. As it conducted a proactive foreign policy in its surrounding regions and worldwide, Turkey has come to recognize the importance of forging more intense relations with those various groups of people. The article gives an overview regarding the »Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities« as an government agency associated with the Republic of Turkey Prime Ministry.

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