Afro-Turks, also known as Afro-Turkish or African Turks, are an ethnic group in Turkey with African ancestry. They are descendants of African slaves brought to the Ottoman Empire during the Ottoman slave trade, which lasted from the 14th to the early 20th centuries. Over time, Afro-Turks have assimilated into Turkish society and have made significant contributions to various fields.
Famous Afro-Turks
- Mehmet Ali Ağca: A former militant member of the far-right Grey Wolves organization, Ağca gained international notoriety for his assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II in 1981.
- Muazzez İlmiye Çığ: An acclaimed archaeologist and scholar, Çığ is known for her research and discoveries related to the ancient Sumerians and other Mesopotamian civilizations.
- Hüseyin Çakıroğlu: A professional basketball player, Çakıroğlu has had a successful career both in Turkey and internationally, representing the Turkish national basketball team.
- Mustafa Olpak: A former professional wrestler, Olpak competed in the 2004 Summer Olympics and won numerous medals in European and world championships.
- İbrahim Şahin: A renowned Turkish pop singer and songwriter, Şahin is known for his soulful voice and has released multiple albums throughout his career.
These individuals represent the diverse talents and contributions of Afro-Turks in various fields, including politics, academia, sports, and entertainment. They have not only achieved personal success but have also helped promote diversity and challenge stereotypes in Turkish society. Their achievements serve as a testament to the resilience and rich cultural heritage of the Afro-Turks community.
Ethnic Factsheet: The Afro-Turks People
| Demographics | Distribution |
|---|---|
| Total Population | Approximately 20,000 |
| Ethnicity | Afro-Turks |
| Origins | Descendants of African slaves brought to the Ottoman Empire |
| Region | Concentrated in the coastal towns of Western Turkey, particularly in the provinces of Izmir and Aydin |
| Language | Turkish |
| Religion | Majority follow Sunni Islam |
| Culture | Influenced by both Turkish and African traditions |
Afro-Turks Ethnicity: References and Resources
Here are some references to dig deeper about Afro-Turks ethnic:
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National Geographic – This article explores the history and current struggles of Afro-Turks in Turkey, shedding light on their fight for identity and recognition.
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Al Jazeera – This news piece discusses the challenges faced by a new generation of Afro-Turks in questioning and redefining their state-designated identity within Turkish society.
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BBC News – In this article, BBC explores the history of Afro-Turks, their origins as descendants of African slaves, and their experiences in contemporary Turkey.
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University of Jyväskylä – This research publication delves into the experiences and challenges faced by Afro-Turks living in Turkey, highlighting important aspects of their cultural identity.
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Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies – This academic article provides an in-depth analysis of Afro-Turks’ identities, exploring their role in shaping cultural diversity in Turkey.
If you’d like to delve deeper into about the famous people of Afro-Turks, we encourage you to utilize our search feature in KOBI International or visit the official websites and references for accessing relevant materials.
