There has been a revival in Turkey’s relation with Africa after 1998. Initially this revival came as a passive attempt, but after 2005 it became an offensive interest in developing relations with the continent. The recent Turkey-Africa Cooperation Summit marks the latest stage in Turkey’s keen interest in developing relations with Africa, and should be seen as a turning point if it is followed with concrete projects in political and economic fields. The key challenge, however, lies in the mutual lack of knowledge and familiarity between the two regions, coupled with general uncertainty regarding how to further relations.
Less than a decade ago it was unthinkable that, at a major conference, with all the Turkish ambassadors present and representatives from all over the world on hand, the Turkish foreign minister would declare that “we attach particular importance to Africa within the context of our new perspective policies,” and further, that “in the next few years, we shall establish fifteen new embassies in the continent of Africa.”1 One month after this speech, Turkish President Abdullah Gül hosted the first ever Turkey-Africa Cooperation Summit between 18–21 August 2008 in Istanbul with the participation of representatives from fifty African countries. Turkey currently has twelve embassies and twenty honorary consulates throughout Africa, while only thirteen African countries have resident embassies in Ankara, three of which have only recently been opened. What has changed that Turkey has decided to open new embassies in Africa? Is it a sign of a deep policy change toward Africa in Turkish foreign policy? Or only a temporary one?
Turkey-Africa Relations: Short History Turkey’s relations with Africa can be divided into three periods. The first period covers the Ottoman State’s relations with Africa until the establishment of the Turkish Republic in 1923, during which the Ottomans had considerable relations with Africa. From 1923 to 1998, Turkish-Africa relations were at their lowest level, if they could be said to exist at all. After 1998, with the acceptance of the World Bank’s Africa Action plan, there has been a revival in Turkey’s interest in Africa. Initially, this occurred passively; after 2005, however, it became an offensive interest in developing relations with Africa. Historically, relations between Turks and Africa go back several centuries. Some African countries were totally or partially subject to Ottoman rule, such as Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, the Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia and even Niger and Chad. In the northern Sub-Sahara region, the Ottomans were part of the balance of powers system, enjoying friendship and alliance with the Kanem Burnu Empire that still prevails in today’s Northern Nigeria, Niger and Chad.2 With regard to Southern Africa, the Ottoman State sent an Imam, Abu Bakr Effendi, to the Muslims of the Cape of Good Hope in 1863 upon the request of the Muslim Community there. The Muslims of South Africa actively participated in the Hejaz railway construction campaigns, raising funds and collecting at least 366.55 pounds between 1900–1907.3 After the donations, the Ottoman States distributed more than 200 medals in gold, silver and nickel to those who had contributed.4 After the establishment of the Turkish Republic in 1923, however, Turkey-Africa relations quickly downgraded to their lowest level. …