Turkey’s presence in Somalia is shaped at the intersection of historical and contemporary strategies. Initiatives aimed at reclaiming territories once under the Ottoman Empire continue today with a similar historical consciousness. The relationships Somalis have built with Turkey draw attention for their political and material dimensions.
The Ottoman Empire conquered some regions of Somalia in 1555, and Turkey’s influence in the area persisted for many years. Somalia remained under Ottoman sovereignty for 361 years until relinquishing power in 1916. During the same period, Cyprus was also under Ottoman control, and the historical connection between these two territories can be seen as a reflection of the relationships currently desired to be developed.
In 2011, due to the famine crisis, then-Prime Minister of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made a significant visit to Somalia, pledging $201 million in aid. Following this visit, Turkey reopened its embassy in Mogadishu, formally strengthening its ties with Somalia. The strategic location of Somalia, at the crossroads of the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, has become a valuable investment area for Turkey.
Military Relations and Training Cooperation
Turkey’s military presence in Somalia is concretized by the TURKSOM Military Training Base, established in 2017 to train officers and specialists for the Somali army. Turkey also provides various training programs for infantry units of the Somali army. Investments in this base total $50 million, encompassing an operational area of 4 square kilometers.
General Ibrahim Muhammed Mahmud, appointed Head of the Somali General Staff in 2026, is a leader who received advanced military training in Turkey. This appointment is regarded as a significant indicator of the deepening military cooperation between Turkey and Somalia. Various military units in Somalia have received training in Turkey, and additional personnel continue to be trained there.
According to an agreement signed between Turkey and Somalia in 2024, plans are underway to establish joint naval forces. Turkey has taken important steps regarding the control of Somalia’s maritime jurisdiction and sending naval vessels like TCG Göksu to the region. This situation is evaluated as a strategic move for Turkey in terms of maritime security.
Economic Activities and Energy Investigations
Turkey has initiated the utilization of the deep-sea research vessel named Çağrı Bey for exploring natural resources in Somalia. The figures expressed by authorities regarding the underground uranium reserves are significant in terms of the productivity of Turkey’s energy and mining collaborations. Mining operations are ongoing to extract valuable minerals such as cellulose found in Somali territory for the benefit of Turkey.
In 2025, a company named SOMTURK was established, providing access to Somalia’s rich fish reserves for the Turkish fishing industry. However, it remains uncertain how much revenue Turkey will generate from this sector. Importantly, Turkey is also involved in significant port projects in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, contributing to the region’s economic growth.
Overall, Turkey’s presence in Somalia reflects a narrative that fuses historical backgrounds with contemporary strategies. Developments in military and economic fields are significant indicators of how deeply Turkey’s relations with Somalia have developed.
Source: www.yeniduzen.com
