“We are not foreigners—we are the forgotten.”
These words reflect the reality of Afro-Turks. They are not newcomers to Turkey. Their history spans centuries, yet their presence remains largely overlooked. The Afro-Turkish identity is a living story of resilience, culture, and forgotten roots—shaped by empire, migration, and silence.
Roots in the Ottoman Empire
The Afro-Turkish community dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Africans were brought to the Ottoman Empire from Sudan, Niger, Nigeria, and Kenya. Many arrived through the Red Sea slave trade. Some served in domestic roles, while others worked in agriculture or military service.
Over time, they settled in regions like Izmir and Aydın. Some gained freedom and married into Turkish families. Still, their African roots often faded into the background, erased by a national focus on cultural unity.
Culture Blended, But Not Celebrated
Afro-Turks contributed to music, cuisine, and farming traditions. Their culture quietly merged with the local way of life. Yet, their stories rarely appear in textbooks, media, or public memory.
One tradition that survives is Dana Bayramı (Calf Festival). Held each year, this event honors ancestors and keeps African customs alive. It shows how heritage can endure, even when history tries to bury it.
Fighting for Visibility Today
Today, Afro-Turks still face racism and cultural erasure. Many young Afro-Turks grow up without knowing their full heritage. Records of their ancestors are often missing, and society offers few role models who look like them.
Groups like the Afro-Turk Association in Izmir are working to change this. They collect oral histories, host community events, and educate the public. Their goal is clear: recognition, respect, and representation.
Young Afro-Turks are also using social media to reclaim their story. They post photos, tell personal stories, and speak out against anti-Blackness. Through these platforms, they build pride and power.
Part of a Global Story
Afro-Turks are not alone. They are part of the larger African diaspora. Like Afro-Mexicans, Afro-Brazilians, and Black Europeans, they fight for space in societies that often ignore them.
As global conversations on race and identity continue, Afro-Turks are stepping into the light. They want their history told, their culture honored, and their future shaped on their own terms.
