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Turkey is one of Iran’s neighboring countries and has hosted Iranians on their vacations for years. Besides that, this country is now home to many Iranian immigrants who have left their country in search of better opportunities and a better quality of life. Over the past few years, the Iranian population in Turkey has witnessed apparent growth. One might wonder how many Iranians live in Turkey at the moment. In this article, you will read a concise analysis of the Iranian population in Turkey, reasons for immigration to this country, and many other interesting facts. Stay tuned to learn more!
Iranians Immigrating to Turkey
Over the years, Turkey has become a popular destination for Iranians seeking new opportunities and a different way of life. The number of Iranians residing in Turkey has significantly increased over the course of a few years, changing Turkey’s economy and demographics noticeably. This article aims to explore the Iranian population living in Turkey further and ponder over the factors contributing to migration. Hence, if you wish to discover how many Iranians live in Turkey and many more insightful truths, continue reading the article.
Why Turkey
The primary reason for immigration to Turkey is that the Iranian currency has lost its value. People can barely afford their daily cost of living. When it comes to immigration, Turkey is a more affordable choice for Iranians rather than the countries with Euro and Dollar currencies. Of course, the geographical proximity to Iran is also a decisive factor. Turkey’s welcoming attitude toward foreigners, the ease of travel and trade between the two countries, the favorable climate, the diverse job market, and the affordable cost of living are incentives for the Iranians who choose Turkey as their new home.
Iran and Turkey’s similarities
Iran and Turkey have many similarities and that is because these countries actually used to be one in the past. Consequently, Turks and Iranians share the same cultural heritage, resulting in mutual traditions, customs, food, and art. A significant percentage of the Iranian population is Turks or Azaris. They have their own language and costumes, similar to the Turks of Turkey. For instance, An Iranian Turk might be able to understand and speak Turkish, but not fluently, since there are still many differences involved.
Moreover, there are many economic and demographic similarities between the two countries. Although not everything is the same, and like everything else, differences always find their way. The following table discloses a few of these economic and demographic similarities and differences.
| Iran | Turkey | |
| Population | 85,888,910 (July 2021 est.) | 82,482,383 (July 2021 est.) |
| Population Growth Rate | 1.03% (2021 est.) | 0.7% (2021 est.) |
| Life Expectancy | 75.06 years | 75.96 years |
| Ethnic Groups | Persian, Azeri, Kurd, Lur, Baloch, Arab, Turkmen and Turkic tribes | Turkish 70-75%, Kurdish 19%, other minorities 7-12% (2016 est.) |
| Religions | Muslim (official) 99.4% (Shia 90-95%, Sunni 5-10%), other (includes Zoroastrian, Jewish, and Christian) 0.3%, unspecified 0.4% (2011 est.) | Muslim 99.8% (mostly Sunni), other 0.2% (mostly Christians and Jews) |
| Literacy | 85.5% | 96.2% |
| Military Service Age | All male Iranian citizens over the age of 18 | All male Turkish citizens over the age of 20 |
| Military Service Duration | 18-24 months | 6 months |
| Unemployment Rate | 10.96% | 10.03% |
| GDP Growth Rate | 4.7% | 11.4% |
Iranian population in Turkey
The latest data on the Iranian population in Turkey is for 2021. Based on this day, the population was 126,640 individuals. Such data suggests a significant Iranian presence across various cities. Of course, this number has increased ever since, but we don’t know how much precisely. Over the years, Iranians have established their own community and a sense of belonging in the country, creating spaces that reflect their traditions and heritage. This actively shows that their community contributes significantly to the diversity of Turkey’s social landscape.
Iranians remain top home buyers in Turkey
In recent years, many Iranians have attempted to buy property in Turkey to protect their capital as the country’s currency keeps falling. Another motivation would be the desire to gain Turkish citizenship and be able to do business without worrying about the sanctions and their inevitable restrictions. Interestingly, Iranians are now the top home buyers in Turkey! Cities like Istanbul and Antalya have become popular choices for buyers, offering a combination of strategic locations for investment, modern amenities, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Why Iranians leave their country
A diaspora refers to Iranian people who have moved abroad from their home country and live in various countries worldwide. Since the Iranian revolution in 1979, there has been an increase in immigration to other countries due to social and political complications. In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in this number. One of the most prominent reasons is the religious conservative government that controls many aspects of society and commits serious human rights abuses, ultimately resulting in international sanctions.
Another fundamental reason is the severe economic difficulties. As mentioned before, Iran’s currency has lost its value, which has caused great financial distress for people. Despite being one of the richest countries in terms of natural resources, Iran has struggled with economic stagnation and a high unemployment rate in recent years. Consequently, many Iranians decide to leave the country in search of a better life and greater freedom.
Conclusion
The growing Iranian community in Turkey indicates an increasing cross-cultural exchange between the two nations. The Iranians’ decision to make Turkey their new home represents the power of cultural connections, economic opportunities, and shared aspirations in shaping the dynamics of migration and settlement in the modern world. It’s important to note that this exchange has also positively impacted the Turkish economy, with the Iranians bringing their investments, new skills, and knowledge to the country. This only suggests the importance of providing immigrants with the necessary resources and social support.
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