A growing number of young Somalis who studied in Türkiye are now playing key roles in their country’s governance, education, and public service, underscoring the strong ties between the two nations.
One such figure is Muhammed Hajj, an advisor in Mogadishu who graduated from Gazi University in Ankara in 2019. Hajj said his education in Türkiye prepared him to immediately return home and contribute to Somalia’s rebuilding process. “I came back to serve my country. The skills I gained in Türkiye are helping strengthen our institutions today,” he noted.
Hajj emphasized that Turkish has become a widely spoken language among Somali officials and highlighted that many of the nation’s most capable soldiers were trained in Türkiye. “Unlike many who study abroad and never return, most Somali graduates from Türkiye come back determined to help their homeland,” he added.
Academic Impact
In higher education, Somali academics trained in Türkiye are also leaving their mark. Mahdi Musa Hasan, a political science graduate from Erciyes University and later Selçuk University, now teaches at Mogadishu University. He says Türkiye-trained graduates are increasingly shaping universities and state institutions.
Daud Aser, director of international relations at Mogadishu University, graduated from Dokuz Eylül University in İzmir. He highlighted that Mogadishu University, founded during the civil war in 1997, has been a cornerstone of Somalia’s recovery, with many of its staff educated in Türkiye. He also pointed to initiatives supported by the Turkish Embassy, such as innovation programs and engineering labs that help Somali youth build practical solutions for national challenges.
Leadership at Somalia’s Universities
Several Somali university leaders also studied in Türkiye. Abdülkerim Muhyeddin Ahmed, rector of Simad University, completed a PhD in business administration in Türkiye between 2019 and 2023. Similarly, Muhammed Mahmud Muhammed, rector of Somali National University, studied engineering at Fırat University before returning to take up senior academic leadership roles.
Both emphasized that Somali graduates of Turkish institutions have carried home not just technical skills but also values such as patriotism and public service. The Somali Türkiye Graduates Association, established in 2016, has been instrumental in connecting graduates with employment opportunities across Somalia.
A Symbol of Bilateral Brotherhood
For many, the Türkiye experience has translated into a renewed commitment to Somalia’s development. As Hajj put it: “Through Türkiye, we learned how to love and serve our country better.”
From government offices to universities and hospitals, Somali professionals trained in Türkiye are becoming a vital force driving reforms and nation-building. Their contributions also reflect the enduring partnership between Somalia and Türkiye—one built on education, solidarity, and a shared vision for progress.