TURKEY`S CONTRIBUTION TO PEACE AND STABILITY IN THE BALKANS: ASSESSING THE TURKISH MILITARY CONTINGENT IN BOSNIAHERZEGOVINA UNDER THE STABILIZATION FORCE (SFOR) MISSION (1996-2004)

Authors : Yasin COŞKUN

Pages : 35-57

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Publication Date : 2021-07-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This article examines the activities of the Turkish military contingent in the multinational peacekeeping force SFOR, which was formed under the leadership of NATO and served in Bosnia-Herzegovina between the years of 1996-2004. During the 8-year period, the Turkish contingent fulfilled many duties to ensure a lasting peace and security in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The activities of the Turkish contingent in Bosnia-Herzegovina are of interest to scholars for several reasons, but particularly because of humanitarian aid, reconstruction works, health services and activities, which were aimed at ensuring security in the country. This article presents new evidence to support the hypothesis that Turkish aid was welcomed by Bosniak communities because of shared cultural heritage and widespread trust. Turkish troops helped the Bosnians with the funds they formed among themselves, apart from international aid. The health service was provided to local people in the hospital established by the Turkish contingent. An intense effort was made to rebuild the buildings and bridges destroyed during the war. The roads in bad condition were repaired and the settlements were connected to each other. The Turkish contingent carried out information activities in the area where it was operating, about mines and other explosives.
Keywords : the Balkans, Bosnia Herzegovina, the Bosnian War, Turkey, SFOR