POSTCOLONIAL IDENTITY AS A FACTOR OF TURKISH POLICY IN AFRICA

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive and systematic analysis of the evolution of Türkiye’s African foreign policy vector during the first quarter of the 21st century. The research focuses on the strategic implementation of "soft power" instruments as a primary mechanism for achieving Ankara’s fundamental economic, geopolitical, and security interests across the African continent. The study highlights how the deliberate appeal to a shared postcolonial identity and the promotion of the "partnership among equals" narrative have allowed Türkiye to effectively compete with traditional colonial powers and emerging global actors. A significant portion of the research is dedicated to the institutionalization of bilateral relations, traced  through the rapid expansion of Türkiye’s diplomatic network and the opening of numerous embassies which have transformed Ankara into a key diplomatic player in the region. The paper specifically identifies and evaluates the multifaceted roles of humanitarian, educational, and cultural institutions, such as the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), the Maarif Foundation, and the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet). Furthermore, it analyzes the strategic influence of state-aligned media platforms like Anadolu Agency and TRT Afrika, alongside the logistical role of Turkish Airlines, in crafting a robust and attractive national brand. The case of Somalia is examined as a primary indicator of the effectiveness of Türkiye’s "integrated approach,"spanning from immediate anti-crisis interventions and urban reconstruction to the professional training of national military personnel and the launch of long-term social development programs. The research underscores the increasing significance of the military-technical component and security cooperation, particularly in the Horn of Africa, as a strategic complement to humanitarian efforts. It is established that the synergy between humanitarian, infrastructural, media, and security projects significantly enhances the success rate of Turkish initiatives and secures sustainable political dividends in multilateral forums, including the United Nations General Assembly. The article also synthesizes and categorizes the various criticisms of Türkiye’s presence from global competitors such as Russia, China, France, and the Gulf states, illustrating the complex configuration of competitive interaction on the continent. The theoretical novelty lies in the systematic combination of soft power analysis with the specificities of a postcolonial foreign policy discourse. Finally, the practical value of the article is found in the potential for adapting the Turkish model for Ukraine’s foreign policy as it seeks to "re-discover" Africa and establish its own strategic foothold in the Global South.