The 60th Anniversary of the Türkiye–France Labor Agreement Was Celebrated with Great Enthusiasm

As a result of the labor agreement signed on April 8, 1965, the Turkish community in France—whose population today exceeds 800,000 and who contribute significantly to both their host country and Türkiye in various fields—has now completed 60 years in France. Over the years, the Turkish community has achieved notable success in many areas, ranging from law to economics, education to culture, politics to academia, and has become an integral part of French society.

In this regard, YTB is carrying out various cultural, artistic, sports, and academic activities throughout 2025 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the labor agreement. As part of these activities, receptions were held on October 11 and 12, 2025, in Strasbourg and Lyon respectively. Distinguished members of the Turkish community, opinion leaders from various fields and sectors, representatives of civil society, and symbolic figures of the Turkish diaspora attended the receptions.

The program in Strasbourg hosted YTB President Abdulhadi Turus, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Paris Yunus Demirer, Türkiye’s Consul General in Strasbourg Murat Onart, and Mayor of Barr Nathalie Kaltenbach.

As part of the “60th Anniversary Special Support Program,” a 15-piece exhibition of photographs and newspaper clippings, jointly prepared with the ATSI Association, was presented to visitors. Additionally, the Netherlands-based Anatolia Foundation, along with Tamer Barış Ülger and his orchestra, offered a musical performance.

Speaking at the program in Strasbourg, Turus emphasized that the Turkish community in France is one that has learned to persevere despite all challenges and has written its own success story. Expressing pride in the achievements of the deeply rooted Turkish community in France, Turus said:

“Today, Turks are in France not merely to work and return home; they are a community contributing to both countries—anchored to Türkiye with their hearts and achieving success after success in France with their minds. Continuously improving themselves and offering unique contributions in every field, this community will further enhance the invaluable value it brings to France’s economic, cultural, scientific, and social life. There is an association founded by people of Turkish origin in almost every town in France, and through these associations, efforts are made to preserve our culture, language, and traditions.”

The Turkish Community in France Is Productive and Hardworking

Türkiye’s Ambassador to Paris, Yunus Demirer, highlighted the importance of Turkish–French friendship and the shared history spanning more than half a century. He stated: “We are here today to remember the story of a journey and a friendship. Under the labor agreement dated April 8, 1965, our citizens who came to France quickly took root in this country. Today, with a population of 800,000, the Turkish community in France—home to the second-largest Turkish diaspora—is productive and hardworking.”

Representing the first generation of migrants to France, Ali İşbaz delivered a speech in Strasbourg, followed by Rabia Acer representing the fourth generation. İşbaz expressed his emotional response to witnessing the achievements of the fourth generation after half a century. Acer emphasized that despite the hardships faced by the first generation, they never forgot their families, culture, Turkish language, or Türkiye.

Following the Strasbourg event, a gala program was also held at a hotel in Lyon, attended by YTB President Abdulhadi Turus, Ambassador Yunus Demirer, and Türkiye’s Consul General in Lyon, Elif Çelebican.

Living Abroad Does Not Mean Losing One’s Roots

Speaking at the Lyon program, YTB President Abdulhadi Turus stated that they work to ensure that citizens living abroad remain strong individuals in their respective countries while maintaining strong ties with Türkiye. He added:

“The Republic of Türkiye has always considered its citizens living abroad as an inseparable part of the nation. Established in 2010 under the vision of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) is the concrete and institutional expression of this understanding. As YTB, our fundamental aim is to ensure that our citizens thrive as strong, self-confident individuals committed to their culture in the countries they live in; while at the same time maintaining their heartfelt connections with Türkiye. In this regard, we carry out a wide range of programs addressing different age groups, needs, and countries.”


Ambassador Yunus Demirer also addressed the audience in Lyon, noting: “It is no longer possible to explain the Turkish community in France and Europe solely through the concept of ‘labor migration.’ Today, the Turkish diaspora is primarily a community that produces value in the countries where it lives. The Turkish community in France is diligent, productive, and contributes to economic life while living in harmony.”

Representing the first generation, Hamza Mor delivered an emotional speech in Lyon, stating that thanks to YTB, citizens abroad are no longer left alone by the state. Speaking on behalf of the fourth generation, Eda Özdilek said that thanks to their elders, they live with a strong attachment to both France and Türkiye.

Both programs concluded with a family photo.