Russians in Turkey

240,715 Russians hold either short- or long-term permits and are currently living in Turkey.^[2]

Russians in Turkey

Total population
240,715[1]
Regions with significant populations
Istanbul Ankara Antalya İzmir
Languages
Russian Turkish
Religion
Russian Orthodoxy Other

History

Russians began migrating to Turkey during the first half of the 1990s. Most had fled the economic problems prevalent after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. During this period, many intermarried and assimilated with locals, bringing a rapid increase in mixed marriages. There is a Russian Association of Education, Culture and Cooperation, which aims to expand Russian language and culture in Turkey as well as promote the interests of the community.

Following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, many Russians have fled to Turkey after Vladimir Putin announced a "partial mobilization" of military reservists.^[3] Around 50,000 Russians had moved to Antalya by September 2022, as well as 18,000 Ukrainians.^[4]

Education

Russian schools:

• Russian Consulate School in Istanbul
• Russian Embassy School in Ankara
• Private International Moscow School in Antalya
• International Russian School in Antalya

See also

• Russia–Turkey relations
• Turks in Russia