One of the strongest and most human dimensions of the relationship between Somalia and Türkiye is the Somali graduates who have studied in Türkiye. These graduates serve as the most tangible bridges of brotherhood between the two countries, creating exemplary connections both in their homeland and on the international stage.
For years, Somali youth have studied at various universities in Türkiye, gaining not only academic knowledge but also absorbing Türkiye’s culture, values, and spirit of friendship. When they return home after completing their education, they use this knowledge and experience to contribute to Somalia’s development and modernization.
Today, Türkiye’s alumni are active in every sphere of Somali life — from public administration to the private sector, from healthcare to education. They are policymakers in ministries, life-savers in hospitals, contributors to their country through engineering projects, and job creators with their entrepreneurial spirit. These graduates are living proof of the scholarships and academic opportunities provided by Türkiye — the most lasting investment in the friendship and strategic partnership between the two nations.
The story of Türkiye’s alumni represents far more than an educational journey. It is the story of a door of hope opened by Türkiye in the geography of the heart, turning the dreams of Somali youth into reality. While they are known in their homeland as “friends of Türkiye,” they also become the natural ambassadors of Türkiye’s vision in Somalia.
Years later, the experiences they had in Türkiye, the friendships they built, and the values they acquired continue to guide them in every aspect of their lives. Anyone who wishes to see the solid foundation of Somalia–Türkiye relations today need only look at the stories of these graduates. They keep the friendship between the two countries alive — not just in diplomatic documents but also in tangible projects, human connections, and shared success stories.
For this reason, Türkiye’s graduates are the silent yet strongest architects of the relationship between Somalia and Türkiye; they are the foundations being laid today for the shared success of tomorrow.