Ireland’s relationship with Türkiye
Working together on the world stage
Ireland and Türkiye have much in common as two European republics, each recently entering our second century of independence. Ireland achieved independence in 1922, with the Republic of Türkiye created only one year later in 1923.
Both nations have used independence to strengthen friendships around the world and protect common values. This is reflected in our work together in global institutions, most notably the United Nations. Türkiye was a founding member of the UN in 1945, with Ireland joining 10 years later in 1955.
Through our engagement in the UN, we have demonstrated our shared commitment to building peace around the world and protecting the most vulnerable.
Shared European perspective
We also have a strong common European perspective. When Ireland helped found the Council of Europe in 1949, we were joined shortly afterwards by Türkiye in 1950. Ireland later joined the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973 and have since worked with our fellow members to create the European Union of today.
EU membership has been transformative for peace and prosperity in Ireland. Ireland has benefited significantly from enlargement of the European Union and support the accession process.
Türkiye is a candidate for EU membership and a key partner for the European Union.
Cultural connections
Ireland and Türkiye are both known across the world for our friendly people, our respect for tradition and, perhaps most of all, how much we enjoy sport and good music.
These shared interests are reflected in our people to people connections, which are deeper today than at any other time in our history.
Türkiye is a very popular destination for Irish citizens and 2023 saw more visits from Ireland to Türkiye than ever before. In 2023 alone, there were 163,000 visitors from Ireland.
A significant number of Irish citizens even have second homes in Türkiye, particularly in the Aegean region.
There is also a rising number of Turkish citizens living in Ireland, including students learning English and attending university and graduates bringing their skills to Ireland’s tech sector.
These ties are reflected in direct flights from Dublin to Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bodrum, Dalaman and Antalya.
Bilateral relations
Ireland first established diplomatic relations with Türkiye on a non-resident basis in 1974. A resident embassy in Ankara, which was also accredited to Azerbaijan, was opened in 1999.
Ireland and Türkiye are also strong trading nations and 2023 was a record year for commerce between our two economies.
Historical links
The Turkish-Irish relationship may be traced back as far as the Great Famine in Ireland, with the Ottoman Empire providing financial aid to Ireland as a gesture of solidarity and support.
A letter, signed by the Anglo-Irish gentry of the time, expresses gratitude to the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire for a donation of £1,000 which was sent to the people of Ireland in 1847, when the Famine was at its peak.