The Turkish diaspora in Latin America is mostly linked to Levantine, Arab and Muslim communities that emigrated during the Ottoman period. These migrations took place in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to wars, political repression and economic hardship, especially during the last period of the Ottoman Empire. Some of these immigrants were of Arab origin, but for a long time they were referred to as “Los Turcos” in Latin America because their passports said “Turk”.[1]
The Turks who settled in Chile emigrated mainly from the Arab provinces of the Ottoman Empire (mainly from Lebanon, Syria and Palestine). Most of them were Christian Arabs, but over time a small number of individuals of Muslim and Turkish origin also joined this wave of immigration. Immigrants to Chile engaged in trade in port cities such as Valparaiso, Santiago and Iquique, and eventually integrated into the middle class.
The most striking feature of the Turkish diaspora in Chile is the blurring of the Arab-Turkish distinction in terms of identity over time. In the minds of Chileans, the concept of “los turcos” has become a historical and cultural definition, not an ethnic one. In this context, although Turks have been associated with Arabs under the same diaspora identity, the recent cultural and diplomatic initiatives of the Republic of Türkiye in Latin America have transformed this perception.
The opening of the embassy in Santiago in 2009 within the framework of Türkiye’s Latin American opening and the widespread viewing of Turkish TV series in the region have increased the Chilean society’s interest in Türkiye. Turkish culture has become popular, especially through Turkish TV series, which has created an identity prestige for the local Turkish community.[2] As a result, individuals of Turkish origin in Chile have started to make themselves more visible and reconnect with their roots.
Interest in Türkiye in the Chilean media has generally centered around cultural content and TV series actors. This has created a positive image of Türkiye in the public and increased curiosity about the Turkish community in Chile. The increase in content on Turkish culture, especially in women’s magazines and television programs, contributes to the visibility of the diaspora. This cultural attraction offers a space for interaction free from political or religious prejudices.
Yunus Emre Institute programs in Chile, Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) projects and the work of local Turkish-Chilean associations contribute to the institutional representation of the diaspora.[3][4] Chilean students traveling to Türkiye through “Türkiye Scholarships” support both cultural exchange and the strengthening of academic ties. Turkish courses and seminars on Türkiye at some universities in Santiago are part of this process.
Second and third generation young people of Turkish origin in Chile are mostly Spanish-speaking individuals who have adapted to Chilean culture. However, in recent years, young people who are interested in their roots have been visiting Türkiye or trying to learn Turkish. This search for identity is not only nostalgic, but also part of a cultural and political consciousness. The role of these generations in the reconstruction of diaspora identity is important.
Türkiye is increasingly emphasizing cultural diplomacy and educational cooperation in its foreign policy towards Latin America. In this context, the Turkish diaspora in Chile can be considered as a reflection of Türkiye’s soft power strategy. Ties with citizens and communities of origin living abroad have both symbolic and practical value in foreign policy. This strategic approach transforms the diaspora from a passive spectator to an active stakeholder.
In recent years, marriages between Turkish citizens and Chileans have been prominent through the media. This strengthens not only individual relationships but also intercultural transitivity. The integration of Turkish family structure, cuisine and traditions into Chilean society creates an intimate cultural exchange between the two peoples. These marriages can play a key role in the future shaping of the Turkish diaspora.
As one of the most stable and liberal economies in Latin America, Chile has become an attractive destination for foreign investors and entrepreneurs, especially in the last decade. Its exchange rate against the United States (US) dollar is quite stable and high compared to other countries in the region. At the same time, the cost of living is lower than in developed countries such as the US or Canada. This economic advantage has made Chile an attractive destination for both Turkish immigrants looking to start a business and individuals seeking to settle down. In particular, new members of the Turkish diaspora are able to establish a permanent settlement in the country thanks to economic stability and social life balance.
The Chilean market is very open to quality-based competition in textile and apparel products. Textile products imported from Türkiye are characterized by high quality, especially in terms of cotton fabrics, home textiles and fashionable designs. This facilitates the commercial success of Turkish entrepreneurs. Small entrepreneurs operating in boutique shops and markets in cities such as Santiago, Valparaiso and Temuco have no difficulty in meeting the demand for Turkish textiles. This economic success directly contributes to both job creation and the establishment of a permanent presence for the Turkish community. At the same time, Chilean consumers’ trust in Turkish brands lends positive prestige to the diaspora identity.
In conclusion, the Turkish diaspora in Chile is not only a product of historical migration movements, but also a multi-layered community shaped by modern economic, cultural and diplomatic dynamics. Türkiye’s soft power strategy towards Latin America in recent years, combined with Chile’s stable and attractive economic structure, has increased both the visibility and persistence of the Turkish diaspora. Commercial successes in areas such as textiles, the consolidation of social cohesion and increased cultural interaction have made the Turkish community not only an ethnic belonging but also an active economic and cultural actor. In this context, Chile stands out as a high-potential geography that sets an example for the development of the Turkish diaspora in Latin America.
[1] Simán Gutiérrez, George Isaac. “The Turcos of Latin America: The Story of 20th‑Century Ottoman Migrants”, Politics Today, politicstoday.org/the-turcos-of-latin-america-the-story-of-20th-century-ottoman-migrants/, (Accessed Date: 08.22.2025).
[2] “Turkish TV Soap Thousand and One Nights Loved in Chile”, The National, AFP, www.thenationalnews.com/arts/turkish-tv-soap-thousand-and-one-nights-loved-in-chile-1.323839, (Accessed Date: 08.22.2025).
[3] “Chile y Turquía Firman Acuerdo de Cooperación”, Agencia Chilena de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo, Agencia Chilena de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo, www.agcid.gob.cl/sala-de-prensa/1592-chile-y-turquia-firman-acuerdo-de-cooperacion, (Accessed Date: 08.22.2025).
[4] “Embajador Rodrigo Arcos visita la sede central del Instituto Yunus Emre.” Embajada de Chile en Turquía, Gobierno de Chile, www.chile.gob.cl/turquia/noticias/embajador-rodrigo-arcos-visita-la-sede-central-del-instituto-yunus-emre, (Accessed Date: 08.22.2025).
