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Paper short abstract:

This study provides a critical analysis of the representation of Africa in Turkish high school textbooks. The analysis emphasises the importance of comprehensively understanding the image of Africa in Turkey, based on an examination of 12 history and geography textbooks.

Paper long abstract:

The connections between Turks and Africa go back to the 9th century, entrenched during the Ottoman Empire lasting until 1917 on the African continent. In contemporary Turkish history, there has been a lack of attention paid to relations with Africa after the Ottoman withdrawal. However, there has been a significant improvement in Turkey-Africa relations since 1998 in various domains. Turkey has been strengthening its relationship with African nations over the past 25 years, but there is a lack of comprehensive studies on Turkey's perception of Africa. It is imperative to acknowledge that textbooks play a vital role in comprehending the perception of Africa in Turkey, as they mirror the legitimate knowledge and perception of a society. This study aims to critically examine the historical and contemporary representations of Africa in Turkish high school textbooks.

In analyzing 12 history and geography textbooks, thematic analysis was employed as the primary method to identify, analyze, and themes in the data. The findinds show that Africa is not adequately covered in Turkish textbooks, except for North Africa. The history of African civilization is barely mentioned except Egypt, and maps misrepresent the continent. The study also highlights a significant oversight in Turkey's historical relations with Africa, particularly those extending back to the Ottoman Empire. Moreover, Turkish textbooks present Africa as follows: i) as a continent of problems and negativity, ii) is referred to in maps and texts as part of the "Middle East", iii) as a unique object of colonization and imperialism, and iv) as an example of human rights violations.