TURKEY’S DIASPORA ENGAGEMENT POLICIES: Past and Present

Since the 1990s, many states have restructured institutions to connect with overseas populations. Turkey has been among the most active countries, altering its approach in line with a wave of political transformations, including its EU harmonisation process and the rise of the Justice and Development Party. Initially proactive, this engagement strategy has shifted towards increasing selectivity and aggressive policies, further exacerbated by internal instabilities in recent years. The chapter delves into the evolution of Turkey’s emigration and diaspora policies, reflecting on attempts towards centralisation and standardisation of governance, as well as the incorporation of these policies into Turkey’s foreign policy endeavours. Recent dynamics also present diasporic populations as potential economic safety nets, reminiscent of strategies before the 2000s, underscoring the multifaceted role diasporas play in Turkey’s current political and economic landscape.