It is possible to accept the hundreds of thousands of people brought to the Ottoman Empire from the East African coasts in the 1800s as the ancestors of the black population.
Although Turkey hosts many ethnic and religious minorities, Turks of African descent immediately draw attention in big cities. With the refugee crisis, many people confuse them with refugees trying to get to Europe.
According to some estimates, although the number of Turks of African descent reaches 100,000, they are not well known outside the Aegean region.
Even in friendly social relations, Afro Turks are called "Arabs". This is a general term used in Turkey for people with dark skin, such as Arabs or Africans.
Like our black ancestors, there are many Africans living in Turkey. If you allow me, I would like to share my observations as a Turk.
- First of all, they are extremely friendly and hardworking people. Exceptions are not absent but in extremely low numbers.
- These new elements of the Afro Turkish society are trying to earn their living by selling watches, peddling, and mediating.
- It is almost impossible to come across a black beggar in Istanbul, which has a population of almost 15 million.
Black brothers as football players are extremely popular in Turkey and are not exposed to racism common in Europe. It is impossible to come across expressions that emphasize the color used in the USA and Europe in Turkey.
Turkey is a gathering point for Syrian, Afghan and Pakistani fugitives. Harassments are also organized by these groups. I don't remember seeing in the media that a black African raped a Turk.
If you come to Turkey as a black person, you can be sure that you will meet with extremely warm feelings. Don't worry if they stare at you for a long time, it's just because they're curious about your personality or outfit.
In Ottoman times, Turks entrusted their children to black caregivers and did not separate them from the family. They wanted their children to know and respect them as mothers.
Today we see them on the roadside selling belts, watches, or bags. More attentive eyes may see it in a textile workshop, auto industry, or some other casual business. Increasing numbers of black immigrants in Turkey live in the poorest districts of the city, but they try to live with dignity and pride without stealing.
I tried to explain how I see Africans through the eyes of a Turkish citizen. I think I am being impartial on this issue, but we can also ask our black friends to tell us the reality of Turkey.
Unfortunately, on rare occasions, swearing and ridicule can be encountered on the road or on the bus. It's easy to work and not get paid as the worst things are left to them. Going to the hospital is quite risky as it could result in their deportation.
One of these friends was kicked out of his house for 'arbitrary' reasons. He says the landlord confiscated his computer, money and some personal belongings. He was on the street for two weeks. She complained to the police. But even after three months, he did not get any results.
To sum it up, Africans are hardworking and moral people, not to be confused with Syrians, Afghans, Arabs and Pakistanis. I hope their numbers increase and we realize how important they can be for the development of the country.
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