The Reflection of Anti-Immigrant Sentiments on African Students in Turkey: An Examination of Social Media Posts

Authors : Gökhan Kavak

Pages : 54-68

Doi:10.33722/afes.1541378

View : 35 | Download : 137

Publication Date : 2025-02-25

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Turkey has taken comprehensive steps towards Africa. In addition to embassies and official civil institutions, many young Africans from various countries on the continent are pursuing undergraduate and graduate education in Turkey, either through scholarships or their own means. These students who complete their education are identified as “cultural ambassadors” in Turkey\\\'s foreign policy and emerge as significant elements in Turkey\\\'s relations with African countries. Despite the positive relations Turkey has established with African countries in its foreign policy, economic and political turmoil in its domestic policy has had adverse effects on African students studying in different cities in Turkey. Particularly, occasional instances of xenophobia in Turkey are also felt among African students. This situation poses a risk of rapidly losing the gains achieved over many years in relations with African countries. This study examines the impact of anti-immigrant in Turkey on African students studying in the country. Specifically, the reactions of African students studying in Turkey to anti-immigrant in the country, especially through their social media accounts, have been investigated. The study reveals that when the political and economic turmoil in Turkey turns into anti-immigrant, it leads to the emergence of negative views among African students against Turkey, jeopardizing Turkey\\\'s Africa policy.
Keywords : Afrika, yabancı düşmanlığı, Afrikalı öğrenci, Türk dış politikası

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