Where Do Turks Live? Turkey & the Global Diaspora

The vast majority of ethnic Turks reside in the Republic of Türkiye (population ~85M, ~75–80 % Turkish). Significant communities exist beyond its borders.

Core Homeland

Türkiye spans Anatolia (Asia Minor) and Eastern Thrace (Europe), bordered by eight countries and four seas.

Historic Minority Communities

• Bulgaria: ~500K (Bulgarian Turks) — recognized minority.
• Greece: ~100K (Western Thrace) — Treaty of Lausanne protection.
• Cyprus: ~300K Turkish Cypriots (Northern Cyprus).
• North Macedonia, Kosovo, Romania, Iraq, Syria: Smaller historic pockets.

Labor Migration Diaspora (Post-1960s)

• Germany: ~3M (largest diaspora).
• Netherlands, France, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland: 200K–500K each.
• Scandinavia: Sweden (~150K), Denmark, Norway.

Newer Flows

• North America: US (~350K), Canada (~80K) — professionals, students, family reunification.
• Middle East/Gulf: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar — white-collar & construction.
• Australia: ~70K.

Identity

Diaspora maintains language, cuisine, religious practice (mostly Sunni Hanafi), and transnational ties via Diyanet, TIKA, and cultural associations.