The Turkish diaspora has been a significant force in Europe for decades, and its impact continues to grow. In a recent interview, Türkiye’s Permanent Delegate to the European Union, Faruk Kaymakcı, emphasized the power of the Turkish diaspora and their ability to bring about change in their adopted countries.
The Turkish diaspora is one of the largest in the world, with an estimated 6 million Turkish citizens living in Europe. They have a unique position in Europe, as they are part of both the European and Turkish cultures. This richness in diversity and identity has enabled the Turkish diaspora to play a crucial role in bridging the gap between the two continents.
Kaymakcı believes that the Turkish diaspora has the potential to be a driving force in Europe, both politically and economically. He points out that Turkish-origin politicians in Europe have been elected to high positions, signaling the growing influence of the diaspora. Additionally, the Turkish diaspora’s significant contribution to the European economy through business ventures and employment opportunities cannot be underestimated.
However, it is not just in the political and economic spheres that the Turkish diaspora exercises its power. They are also vital in promoting cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between Europe and Türkiye. With their unique position as cultural bridges between the two regions, the diaspora has been instrumental in fostering dialogue and building stronger relationships.
Kaymakcı also highlights the diaspora’s potential in solving some of the long-standing issues facing Europe, such as Islamophobia and discrimination against immigrants. By actively participating in their adopted countries’ social, cultural, and economic fabric, the Turkish diaspora can break down stereotypes and promote inclusion.
But despite their significant impact and potential, the Turkish diaspora still faces challenges. One major hurdle is the lack of representation and recognition in their adopted countries. Despite their significant contributions, the diaspora is often sidelined in decision-making processes, which limits their potential to bring about change.
Another challenge is the disconnect between the diaspora and Türkiye. Many Turkish people living in Europe have limited knowledge of their home country, and their understanding is often shaped by media portrayals. This disconnection not only creates a sense of alienation but also hinders the diaspora’s ability to effectively advocate for Türkiye’s interests.
To address these challenges, Kaymakcı stresses the importance of building stronger ties between Türkiye and the diaspora. He believes that the Turkish government should actively involve the diaspora in decision-making processes and seek their input on policies that directly affect them.
Moreover, Kaymakcı also highlights the need for the diaspora to invest in Türkiye. By investing in their home country, the diaspora can contribute to Türkiye’s economic growth and development, thereby creating a stronger bond between them and their homeland.
Furthermore, Kaymakcı urges the diaspora to take part in Türkiye’s cultural and social projects, such as “Yurtdışı Türkler ve Akrabalar Topluluğu (YTB)” (Overseas Turks and Relatives Community), which aims to strengthen ties between Türkiye and the diaspora. By actively participating in these initiatives, the diaspora can deepen their connection with their home country and promote Türkiye’s interests in Europe.
In conclusion, the Turkish diaspora has a crucial role to play in Europe. With their ever-growing numbers and diverse talents, they have the potential to shape the future of their adopted countries positively. However, to unlock their full potential, there must be a stronger bond between the diaspora and Türkiye, and the diaspora must be given a seat at the decision-making table. As Kaymakcı rightly emphasizes, “The Turkish diaspora is a powerful force in Europe, and it is time for them to use their power to bring about positive change for themselves and their countries.”
