The total population of Turkish people living abroad exceeds 6.5 million
people, around 5.5 million of which live in Western European countries.
Meeting the needs and bringing solutions to the problems of this community
which constitutes one of the most important dimensions of our relations
with Western European countries, is regarded as one of our foreign policy
priorities.
Integration and Active Participation Concept
Immigrants diversify and enrich the culture of the society they live in.
Integration should be regarded as a two-lane process. In this regard, not
only immigrants but also host country governments should have
responsibilities. Host country governments should undertake policies that
encourage active participation of immigrants in society and embrace them.
It is desired that members of Turkish community actively participate in the
social, economic, cultural and political life of host countries while
maintaining their ties to their motherland, mother tongue and culture, and
live as prosperous, successful individuals respecting local laws and
customs.
Xenophobia, Discrimination, Racism and Islamophobia
Following the 9/11 events, xenophobia, discrimination, racism and
Islamophobia against Muslims have increased and gained a new dimension.
Turkish community in West Europe constitutes the majority of Muslim
population and is directly affected by these adverse trends.
The attacks and arsons targeting Turkish community members in West European
countries have been recently increasing in recent years. The cases of
xenophobia, racism and anti-Islamist assaults reported by our citizens to
our embassies and consulate generals are recorded by our Ministry.
It is important for policy makers and media to adopt a responsible attitude
to establish understanding and tolerance between host countries and
immigrants. The policy makers and media should refrain from statements and
attitudes that would exacerbate xenophobia, discrimination and
Islamophobia. Confidence between migrants and the host society should also
be improved.
Education and Turkish Mother Tongue Courses
In order to ensure active participation, it is of vital importance to
provide equal opportunity for the immigrants’ children to learn their
mother-tongue as well as culture and history.
In this context, the Turkish Government closely follows the conditions of
the Turkish community to learn their mother tongue. The Turkish citizens
who are bilingual and have the opportunity to preserve their own identity
would be more equipped individuals in today’s globalized world and would
contribute to the furtherment of bilateral relations between Türkiye and the
host countries.
To this end, Türkiye appoints, in cooperation with host countries, teachers
for Turkish language and culture.
Religious Services
Religious officers are assigned be the Presidency of Religious Affairs to
provide religious services to the Turkish community and help them perform
their religious duties.
Unemployment
Low employment rate is a major issue for the Turkish community abroad.
Unemployment rate among the Turkish community is above the host country’s
average. Having a good command of local language contributes to educational
success of the Turkish people and increases their chances of employment.
The importance of higher education and vocational training is emphasized on
every occasion.
Legal Advisors
Legal Advisors working at the Turkish Embassies and Consulate Generals
since 2001 provide Turkish citizens living abroad with free legal
assistance on a variety of issues and problems, primarily any kind of
discrimination they may face.
Custody
The minors of the Turkish community living in Western European countries
may be given under the custody of the youth offices affiliated to the
municipalities or foster families by court decisions, on the grounds of
their education, health, financial and social status and their attitude
towards their children.
Our embassies and consulate generals guide our citizens, including legal
support.
In the foster family system which should be resorted to as the last resort,
it is our main expectation that the children are given to families that
accord with their own culture and values.