Gambian model for devoloping relations between Turkey and Afrikan countries

In this study which shows the necessity for today?s Turkey to be open to the world by studying the opening out of Turkish people throughout the history, a model has been tried to be established in order to develop relations with African countries through the example of the Gambia. This study is composed of the following four parts; ?The Opening out of Turkey?, ?Africa and Relations between Turkey and African Countries?, ?the Gambia and Relations between Turkey and the Gambia,? and ?Developing Relations between Turkey and African Countries.? Within the first part, ?The Opening out of Turkey? is examined under the following subtitles; necessity of and history of opening out. Throughout a historical period of thousands of years, Turks spread to the whole world and played an important role in maintaining peace between cultures. Turkey, which becomes introvert after Ottoman period, feels the necessity of foreign expansion in the new era. There is no reason for not to be a dominant power within this region and the world providing that she activates the basic dynamics within the society and gets out of circle that surrounds her by looking at the events from a wider geographical perspective by understanding her own history, power and potential. Africa is one of the regions which Turkey must not neglect during opening out period. Within the first part, general information is given and relations between Turkey and African countries during Ottoman and Turkish Republic eras are studied. Within the history of Africa, Turks have an important role. However, Turkish Republic, which struggled for survival after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, lost her interest in the lands on which she had existed due to several reasons and brought its informational accumulation to the point of annihilation. In this era, Turkish people are in effort for opening out by coming over the obstacles that block the development. In this context, Africa, which Turkey forgot for years and neglected, is remembered once again. Turkey?s return to this region, with which she has historical, social and cultural ties, is useful for Turkey, as well as African countries. Within the third part, information about the Gambia is given and relations between Turkey and the Gambia is studied. Relations between Turkey and the Gambia, which began with the active support given by the Gambia during the massacre conducted by Bulgaria towards Turks, have been quickly developed, especially in the military field. This collaboration, which also spreads to the economic field, has been proved to be useful for both sides. The activities of Turkey in the Gambia are being closely observed by other African countries as well as the Western countries, and ever increasing number of African countries attempt to develop their relations with Turkey. Within the fourth part, necessity of developing relations with African countries and the obstacles which may prevent this development are set forth. African continent has an important place in the international arena. Political contact and collaboration with these countries will empower the ?multi-dimensional? foreign policy which is being tried to be followed by Turkey. However, an expansion towards this continent will end up being unsuccessful without knowing Africa and doing scientific studies on this subject, and shortly, without developing an accumulation of knowledge about Africa. Turkey, through her successful the Gambia experience, opened out towards Africa?s mid-sections where she had not known before, and this success gave confidence to the people of the country in order to orient towards other countries. It is concluded that the relations between Turkey and the Gambia will set a model for developing relations with other African countries and provide a positive input.