This is the eighteenth instalment in Siyah; a series exploring African Diaspora and Turkish social and cultural narratives with journalist Adama Juldeh Munu.

The Rise of African Immigrants in Istanbul

Istanbul, a city at the crossroads of continents and cultures, is home to a diverse range of immigrant communities, and that includes a growing continental African population. Earlier in the series, we looked at the significance of the Afro-Turk community in the history of Türkiye’s Ottoman past and the present reality. 

While the African immigrant community in Türkiye is still relatively small compared to other migrant groups, its presence is increasingly visible, especially in Istanbul. It could therefore be argued that a ‘neo-Afro-Turk’ presence is therefore emerging.

The African immigrant population in Istanbul has been steadily growing, particularly since the 1990s. Some reports suggest up to 1.5 million Africans live in Türkiye. A 2017 report from Anadolu Agency indicated that at least a quarter of this population resides in Istanbul. Others provide more conservative figures. The city’s diverse population includes migrants from West, East, and North Africa, with Nigeria, Sudan, Senegal, and Somalia representing the largest groups. 

Türkiye’s evolving foreign policy and its position as a bridge between Europe and Asia has made it an attractive destination for migrants from Africa, driven by various factors such as economic opportunities, political stability, and geographic proximity to the European Union. Dr. Serhat Orakçı’s 2016 study on ‘Emerging African Communities’  in Istanbul, explores the historical context and development of African migration to Türkiye. However, it is important to note that African migration to Türkiye predates these studies, and is part of a broader trend of migration from Africa to the Mediterranean region.

Researcher Abdinor Dahir has written extensively on the growing political and economic ties between Türkiye and African countries. He said back in 2021, ‘Turkish-African relations have consistently exhibited strong growth since Ankara declared 2005 as “the year of Africa.” Turkey’s growing economic, political, and security involvement in Africa reflects Ankara’s need to establish new markets for its manufactured goods and its defence and armaments industry and present itself as a relevant regional and global actor different from traditional Western players on the continent. African countries have been astute in their engagement with Ankara in terms of exercising leverage in the evolving Turkish-African partnership. They seek to attract Turkish foreign direct investment, diversify economic and political partners to reduce dependency and fuel their state-building projects…. Turkey’s growing footprint in Africa will likely continue to produce positive results for both sides.’

Economic Contributions, Social Networks and Cultural Integration

African migrants in Istanbul are involved in a variety of economic activities, from manual labour to entrepreneurship. Many are engaged in informal sectors such as street vending, working in textiles, leather goods, and small-scale trade. The Aksaray neighbourhood, for example, is known for its concentration of African immigrants involved in businesses that cater to both the local and African diasporic populations.

Beyond street-level businesses, African entrepreneurs have set up restaurants, hair salons, and shops that offer goods from their home countries, creating spaces for cultural exchange. As Ismail Hakkı Yılmaz notes in his study on migrant entrepreneurship, such businesses serve not only as economic outlets but as cultural hubs for the African community, where people from different African backgrounds come together to share food, music, and cultural practices.

While many African immigrants live in relative isolation, relying heavily on their networks within the community, they also engage with Turkish society in meaningful ways. Religious and cultural events play a crucial role in fostering a sense of belonging. For Muslim African immigrants, mosques are central spaces for worship and socialising. Similarly, African Christians in Istanbul gather in churches, some of which are specifically designated for African communities, particularly those from Nigeria, Ghana, and Congo.

Cultural events, such as Africa Day, which is celebrated on 25 May every year, and the African Film Festival held in Istanbul, also serve as important platforms for showcasing African culture and fostering intercultural dialogue. These events not only allow African immigrants to celebrate their heritage but also provide opportunities for Turks and other ethnic groups to learn about and appreciate African cultures.

The Challenges and the Response

Despite their contributions to Istanbul’s cultural and economic life, African immigrants can face a range of challenges in adapting to Turkish society. One of the key barriers is the language, as Turkish remains a significant hurdle for many immigrants. While some African migrants quickly learn Turkish, others struggle which in turn would limit their access to employment opportunities. This tends to occur especially in working-class and rural areas, where job opportunities are often limited to low-paying and informal sectors.

Housing also poses a challenge for African immigrants in Istanbul. In many cases, African migrants live in overcrowded apartments or informal settlements, due to the high cost of housing and discrimination in the rental market, as Dr. Orakçı’s research suggests.

In response to the challenges faced by African immigrants, various NGOs and community organisations have emerged in Istanbul to support these communities. Organisations such as the Association of African Community in Turkey (ACT), also known as Afrikalılar Topluluğu Derneği. It helps strengthen ties of solidarity, provides social support and facilitates integration into the Turkish community.

The African immigrant population in Istanbul is growing in both size and influence, contributing to the city’s rich multicultural fabric. While these communities face challenges related to economic integration, housing, racial discrimination, and cultural adaptation, they continue to make significant contributions to the city’s economy and culture. Moving forward, both the Turkish government and civil society must work together to promote inclusion and create pathways for African immigrants to fully participate in Istanbul’s dynamic social and economic life.

Sources:

1. Abdinor Dahir, “The Turkey-Africa Bromance: Key Drivers, Agency and Prospects.” Insight Turkey, December 14 2021.
2. Orakçı, Serhat. “Emerging African Communities in Istanbul.” Journal of Migration and Urban Studies, 2016.
3. Yılmaz, İsmail Hakkı. “Migrant Entrepreneurship and Cultural Integration in Istanbul.” Migration and Integration Journal, 2018.
4. Şimşek, Doğuş. Afrikalılar İstanbul’da: Göç ve Kimlik. Pencere Yayınları, İstanbul, 2019.
5. “Africa Day Festival in Istanbul Celebrates Cultural Diversity.” Anadolu Agency, 19 May 2021.
6. Özgür, Özdemir. “Migration Policy in Turkey: Opportunities and Challenges for Immigrant Integration.” International Migration Review, 2020.
7. “African Immigrants and the Housing Crisis in Istanbul.” Urban Anthropology, 2021.