Anti-American sentiments on rise in Türkiye
TGB put sacks on American soldiers, Izmir, Sep. 2, 2024 (Photo via Ulusal Kanal)
Anti-American sentiments in Türkiye have surged, especially after events involving the Türkiye Youth Union (TGB) and the Türkiye People’s Representatives Assembly.
The TGB placed a sack over the head of a U.S. soldier in Izmir, while the assembly announced plans for a march to Incirlik Air Base, where American soldiers are stationed, under the slogan “Go Home Yankee.”
In a 2018 survey conducted by Türkiye’s Report (Türkiye Raporu) OPTIMAR, 71.9% of respondents identified as “anti-American,” 22.7% as “partially anti-American” and only 5.4% did not consider themselves anti-American.
In March 2022, a report found that 73% of the Turkish public had a negative attitude toward America, showing a slight increase over four years.
Five factors are believed to be driving the rise in anti-American sentiment in Türkiye.
Historical reasons
The first is historical reasons, with nationalist, religious and socialist segments holding negative views of the U.S. for historical reasons.
The TGB, linked to the Vatan Party (Patriotic Party), and the Türkiye People’s Representatives Assembly, associated with the Turkish Communist Party, have both been historically anti-American.
US support for PKK/YPG
The second factor is the U.S. support for the PKK/YPG, which Türkiye considers a terrorist organization.
Anti-American sentiment often spikes during periods of increased terrorist attacks in Türkiye.
The U.S. provides significant financial and military aid to the PKK/YPG, further fueling resentment.
Washington’s refusal to extradite FETO leader
The third factor involves the U.S. harboring Gulenist Terror Group (FETO) leader Fetullah Gulen, who is accused of orchestrating the failed 2016 coup attempt in Türkiye that killed 254 people.
Washington’s refusal to extradite Gulen has intensified anti-American sentiment.
The fourth reason is the U.S. support for Greece in the Eastern Mediterranean and Aegean disputes, which has led many in Türkiye to believe that the U.S. is arming Greece against Türkiye.
Palestine-Israel war
Finally, Türkiye’s widespread support for the Palestinian cause, coupled with U.S. backing of Israeli actions in Gaza, has further fueled anti-American sentiments.
The TGB, after its protest against American soldiers, also issued a message of solidarity with Palestinians and condemned Israeli atrocities in Gaza.
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