The political economy of Turkey and African relations: The case of Sudan

This thesis study, which focuses on the economy of the relations between Turkey and African policy specific to Sudan, concentrate on the process after the African Initiative Action Plan put into effect in 1998, in addition to this, this thesis study present historical perspective to reader in order to better understand the contemporary relations. Turkey had not been paying attention for many years; but, interest in the African continent, especially at the beginning of the 2000s, which is close to historical, cultural and geographical aspects, has created a significant gap in Turkish academic literature. Nevertheless, in the literature studies, Turkey - Africa relations are considered in general frame. It is aimed to contribute to the literature by working in this context, both within the context of Sudan and within the framework of political economy. In the framework of these objectives, the economic data obtained from TURKSTAT, the policies put into practice by governments and the projects of civil initiatives were analyzed in a coordinated manner. The result of analysis is that; the actions taken by civil initiatives and governments in Africa, specific to Sudan, brought with it economic commitments and had a positive impact on the Turkish economy in a significant. Keywords: Turkish Foreign Policy, Turkey-Africa Relations, Sudan, Political Economy, Civil Society Organizations in Sudan, African Initiative Action Plan.