Established by the Law No. 5978 on the "Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities’ Organization and Duties" on April 6, 2010, and restructured under Presidential Decree No. 4 dated July 15, 2018, the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) is an institution that carries out activities concerning Turkish citizens abroad, kin and related communities, and international students pursuing higher education in Turkey.
Policies for the Turkish Diaspora
Approximately 7 million Turkish diaspora members live around the world, with the majority residing in Europe. Strengthening the ties of these communities with Turkey is of significance not only for the diaspora itself but also for Turkey and the countries they reside in. YTB pursues a multidimensional and inclusive diaspora policy aimed at preserving the identity and culture of the Turkish diaspora, especially their native language, enhancing their sense of belonging to Turkey, and improving their economic, social, and cultural status in their host countries.
Cooperation with Kin and Related Communities
Activities focusing on kin and related communities form another key area of YTB’s operations. Stretching from the Balkans to Africa, the Caucasus to Eastern Europe, Central and Eastern Asia to the Middle East, YTB aims to strengthen economic, social, cultural, and academic relations with these communities.
Communities with historical, religious, geographical, and cultural ties to Turkey are referred to as "kin communities." These include Turkish-speaking minorities, Muslim societies, countries and communities in need of development assistance, and alumni of Turkish education programs. YTB supports various projects in these areas, particularly those focusing on the preservation and transmission of cultural heritage. Notable examples include the 2019 projects "They Were Also Human: Crimean Oral History Project" and "1944 Ahiska Exile: Last Witnesses."
International Student Programs
One of YTB’s major activities is facilitating international student mobility. Since 2012, the Türkiye Scholarships program has enabled qualified students from around the globe to pursue higher education in Turkey. Each year, over 165,000 applications are received from more than 175 countries, and 5,000 international students are awarded scholarships. Currently, 15,000 students are enrolled in Turkish universities under this program.
The Türkiye Scholarships aim to strengthen students' ties with Turkey while equipping them to contribute to the development of their home countries. Graduates become part of the "Türkiye Alumni" network, which has over 150,000 members worldwide, serving as a bridge between Turkey and their respective countries.
Cultural and Historical Heritage Studies
YTB prioritizes cultural and historical heritage preservation projects for kin and related communities. The institution implements various initiatives aimed at safeguarding cultural values and transmitting them to future generations. For example, projects supporting the preservation of architectural heritage related to Ahiska Turks and Crimean Tatars have been a focus. The inventory of Turkish-Islamic monuments in the Ahiska region was completed, with photographs and architectural drawings documented. Additionally, efforts have been made to protect intangible cultural heritage related to Uighur culture in Kazakhstan.
The Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) continues its activities with the mission of fulfilling Turkey's historical and cultural responsibilities. The institution plays a crucial role in empowering the Turkish diaspora, fostering relations with kin and related communities, and promoting international student mobility. YTB remains committed to preserving cultural heritage and enhancing cooperation between societies for a stronger future.
