Turkey’s history is a rich mosaic of cultures and migrations. Yet among these, the Afro-Turkish identity remains largely overlooked. These communities, descended from Africans who came during the Ottoman Empire, continue to shape Turkish society despite facing marginalization.
African Roots in the Ottoman Empire
African people began arriving in the Ottoman Empire as early as the 16th century. They came through trade, military service, and the slave routes from Sudan, Ethiopia, and beyond. Many settled in regions like İzmir and Aydın, where their descendants still live today.
Some rose to power as advisors, guards, and court officials. While slavery existed, the Ottoman system allowed limited upward mobility—especially for men who converted to Islam and entered palace life.
Erasure in the Turkish Republic
When the Turkish Republic formed in 1923, new policies pushed for cultural uniformity. Afro-Turkish families faced pressure to assimilate. Many changed names, suppressed traditions, and downplayed African ancestry to avoid discrimination.
This national push erased many visible signs of Afro-Turkish heritage. Schools, media, and official records rarely acknowledged their presence, leading to invisibility in modern Turkish identity.
Culture, Community, and Revival
Afro-Turkish communities preserved what they could. In İzmir, the Dana Bayramı (Calf Festival) continues as a symbol of African roots. Though reinterpreted, the festival maintains connections to African harvest rituals and collective memory.
In recent years, younger Afro-Turks have reclaimed their heritage. Scholars and artists document oral histories, organize events, and create media that celebrates Afro-Turkish identity. Groups like the African Culture Association in Turkey advocate for recognition and education.
Pushing for Representation
Afro-Turks remain absent from national statistics and public discourse. Without official acknowledgment, they struggle to gain visibility and cultural funding. But this is changing. Documentaries like “Siyah” and interviews with Afro-Turkish youth are gaining traction.
Their efforts tie Turkey to a broader global Black diaspora, linking North Africa, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean through shared histories.
Conclusion: Reclaiming a Silenced History
Afro-Turks have always been part of Turkey’s story. Their history deserves space in textbooks, museums, and media. As the world reexamines identity and inclusion, recognizing Afro-Turks is essential to building a complete and honest national memory.
