The dissolution of the Soviet Union (USSR) in 1991 led to the emergence of numerous newly independent states in Central Asia and the Caucasus. Turkey was the first country to recognize the independence of these Turkic republics and worked towards strengthening its historical, cultural, and linguistic ties with these nations through comprehensive cooperation policies. As a reflection of these efforts, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) was established in 1992.
TİKA’s Founding Purpose and Areas of Activity
TİKA was founded to support the social, economic, and cultural development processes of the newly independent Turkic republics. Its primary purpose was to strengthen the social structures of these countries, promote the development of cultural and political rights, address technical infrastructure needs, and implement development-oriented projects. In this context, TİKA has carried out numerous projects in fields such as education, health, restoration, agricultural development, industry, and tourism. The agency's first Program Coordination Office was opened in Turkmenistan, and the number of offices in the Eurasia region gradually increased to six.
Post-1995 Period: Focus on Education and Cultural Cooperation
From 1995 onward, TİKA shifted its focus to projects in education and cultural cooperation. Highlighting the importance of a qualified human resource pool for development processes, the agency constructed schools, libraries, and laboratories, and provided technical equipment support to universities. During this period, TİKA's projects evolved to focus on strengthening institutional capacities in the countries it served.
2000s: Expansion of Global Activities
In the 2000s, TİKA expanded its scope beyond the Turkic republics. With the influence of globalization, the agency began implementing development cooperation projects across a wide geography, from the Pacific to Latin America. The number of TİKA’s Program Coordination Offices, which stood at 12 in 2002, increased to 33 by 2012 and to 61 offices in 2025. Today, TİKA operates in more than 150 countries, representing Turkey's humanitarian aid and development cooperation philosophy.
TİKA’s Principles and Core Values
TİKA operates based on fundamental principles such as impartiality, transparency, human-centeredness, and sustainability. The agency develops demand-driven projects by considering the needs and priorities of partner countries and responds quickly to crises. As a key instrument in the implementation of Turkey’s international development and cooperation policies, TİKA collaborates with public institutions, universities, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.
The Turkish Model of Development Cooperation
TİKA is a pioneering institution in implementing the Turkish Model of Development Cooperation internationally. This model emphasizes sincerity, unconditional support, human-centered and solution-oriented approaches, and mutual learning processes. It also involves sharing knowledge and expertise with partner countries.
Turkey’s Development Assistance and TİKA’s Role
Turkey’s official development assistance increased from $85 million in 2002 to $8.12 billion in 2017. TİKA accounted for 2.7% of Turkey’s total development assistance and played a significant role in global development cooperation projects. The agency operates across a wide geography, from the Balkans to Africa and from the Caucasus to Latin America.
Since its establishment, TİKA has played a critical role in implementing Turkey’s vision of international development cooperation. By focusing on the preservation of shared historical and cultural heritage, as well as supporting economic and social development, TİKA has strengthened Turkey’s ties with friendly and brotherly nations. Today, with its expanding scope and impactful projects, TİKA continues to serve Turkey’s goal of becoming a global actor in development cooperation.
