- Oct 3, 2018
- 3,201

As the institutional successor to the Ottoman Empire's Reis-ül Küttab (Chief of the Scribes, de facto foreign minister before the Tanzimat era), and later the Republican Ministry established in 1920 in Ankara during the War of Independence, the Ministry has long played a pivotal role in defending Türkiye’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international legitimacy.
Functions and Responsibilities
The Ministry operates under the supervision of the President of the Republic and the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, with the mandate to:
- Develop and implement the Republic’s foreign policy.
- Represent Türkiye in diplomatic and consular relations.
- Negotiate and conclude international treaties and agreements.
- Manage and supervise Türkiye’s embassies, consulates, and permanent missions.
- Conduct strategic planning for Türkiye’s global engagements, especially in multilateral institutions like the UN, NATO, OIC, OECD, and the Turkic Council.
- Support Turkish citizens and diaspora communities abroad.
- Oversee consular affairs, including visas, citizenship services, and expatriate voting procedures.
The Ministry also coordinates closely with other institutions such as the Ministry of Defense, National Intelligence Organization (MİT), the Ministry of Trade, and the National Assembly on issues of mutual interest, ranging from security cooperation to public diplomacy.
The current Minister of Foreign Affairs is Murat Aydın, who assumed office on February 5, 2006, following his nomination by Prime Minister Yildiz and confirmation by the Grand National Assembly.
Minister Aydın is a seasoned diplomat and political strategist, widely regarded for his sharp intellect, pragmatic approach to international crises, and deep understanding of Türkiye’s evolving geopolitical role. He is the first Foreign Minister of Circassian descent, born in Kayseri into a family with deep military and diplomatic roots.
- B.A. in Political Science and International Relations from Boğaziçi University
- M.A. in International Law and Middle Eastern Studies from Georgetown University
- Diploma in Conflict Resolution from the Geneva Centre for Security Policy
Aydın entered the Turkish diplomatic corps in 1994 and served in numerous key postings including:
- Counselor, Turkish Permanent Mission to the UN (New York)
- Ambassador to Egypt (1986–1990)
- Deputy Undersecretary for Political Affairs (1990–1995)
- Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Policy (1995–2001)
Policy Orientation and Strategic Vision
Under Minister Aydın’s leadership, the Ministry has pursued a multi-dimensional foreign policy under the banner of "Strategic Autonomy and Regional Depth." His tenure has been marked by an emphasis on:- Normalization of strained ties with regional and international actors
- A more assertive presence in Africa, including new embassies and development partnerships
- Continued advocacy for a just two-state solution in Cyprus and support for Turkish Cypriots' rights under the Guarantor Agreement of 1960.
- Strengthening of ties with Turkic republics in Central Asia, especially through the Organization of Turkic States.
Institutional Structure
The Ministry operates through five Deputy Ministers, overseeing:- Political Affairs
- Consular and Legal Affairs
- Economic Diplomacy
- Multilateral Relations
- Diaspora Engagement and Cultural Diplomacy
It manages 253 overseas missions, including embassies, consulates general, consulates, and permanent representations to international organizations.
The Ministry also works through several affiliated institutions:
- Center for Strategic Research (SAM) – Policy think tank
- Diplomatic Academy – Training for new diplomats
- Office for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) – Cultural and educational outreach
- TİKA (Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency) – Türkiye’s international development and soft power agency
Public Diplomacy and Future Outlook
The Ministry has increasingly invested in public diplomacy, with a growing emphasis on digital outreach, cultural initiatives, and Turkish-language promotion abroad. Programs like "Türkiye Scholarships" and diaspora engagement strategies are coordinated closely with foreign missions to promote a positive image of Türkiye worldwide.
Looking ahead, Minister Aydın aims to:
- Expand Türkiye’s influence in multilateral organizations.
- Solidify Ankara’s role as a mediator in global conflicts.
- Institutionalize strategic partnerships with Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.
- Develop a cohesive global policy on climate diplomacy.
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Lucie Albrecht |
DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER |
Political Affairs ![]() | Consular and Legal Affairs ![]() | Economic Diplomacy ![]() | Multilateral Relations ![]() | Diaspora Engagement and Cultural Diplomacy ![]() |
SECRETARY OF STATE |
On Countering-Terrorism Akincibay Soysal | On European Affairs Tackin Batur | On African Affairs Yildir Koc | On Asian Affairs Ataol Koca | On American Affairs Aybora Aydogdu |
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