The relationship between Italy and Turkey is a rich tapestry woven with threads of shared history, vibrant cultural exchanges, and evolving geopolitical interests. From the maritime trade routes of antiquity to modern-day diplomatic and economic partnerships, these two Mediterranean powers have long been intertwined. While their paths have diverged and converged over centuries, the present-day dynamic is characterized by a growing understanding of mutual benefit and a strategic alignment on many fronts.
A Historical Echo: Tracing the Roots of Engagement
The historical narrative connecting Italy and Turkey is profound and extends far beyond modern state formations. Long before the rise of the Italian Republic or the Republic of Turkey, the Italian peninsula and Anatolia were crucial hubs of civilization, commerce, and conflict.
During the Byzantine era, Italian city-states like Venice, Genoa, and Pisa engaged in extensive trade with Anatolian territories. These powerful maritime republics established trading posts and communities, facilitating the flow of goods, ideas, and artistic influences across the Mediterranean. The Ottoman Empire, a formidable successor to the Byzantine Empire, also maintained complex relations with the various pre-unification Italian states. While periods of intense conflict, such as the struggle for control over the Mediterranean, are well-documented, so too are instances of diplomatic engagement and cultural exchange. Sultan Mehmet II, for instance, known for his admiration of Italian culture, even invited the renowned Venetian painter Gentile Bellini to his court. This early engagement laid the groundwork for a long-standing pattern of interaction that transcended political rivalries.
The 20th century brought new geopolitical realities. Italy and Turkey, emerging from periods of significant national transformation, navigated two World Wars and the Cold War as members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). This alliance has served as a cornerstone of their security cooperation, fostering a shared commitment to regional stability despite occasional bilateral disagreements.
The Economic Engine: Driving Bilateral Growth
The economic relationship between Italy and Turkey stands as a testament to their robust partnership. In 2025, economic ties are flourishing, characterized by substantial trade volumes and growing investment flows. Recent data indicates a particularly favorable period for bilateral trade. In 2024, the total volume of trade between Italy and Turkey reached an impressive €29.7 billion, marking a significant increase of 15.2% compared to the previous year. Italian exports to Turkey experienced a notable surge of 24%, reaching €17.6 billion, while imports from Turkey stood at €12 billion, demonstrating a 4.4% rise. This has resulted in a positive trade balance for Italy, with a surplus of €5.5 billion.
Italy has solidified its position as Turkey’s leading trading partner in the Mediterranean region and the second largest within the European Union, surpassing economic powerhouses like France and Spain. Furthermore, Turkey views Italy as its fourth largest supplier and fifth largest destination market, underscoring Italy’s strategic importance in the Turkish economic landscape.
A key highlight of 2025 was the bilateral summit held in Rome on April 29, involving Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. This fourth edition of their intergovernmental summit aimed to further consolidate their economic partnership and address international geopolitical challenges. A significant business forum, attended by 620 companies (345 Italian and 275 Turkish), ran parallel to the summit, facilitating the signing of over ten strategic trade agreements across critical sectors. These agreements encompass energy, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and defense, signaling a concerted effort to deepen industrial and commercial cooperation.
Italian companies maintain a substantial presence in Turkey, with direct investments amounting to €5.7 billion. In contrast, Turkish investments in Italy stand at €1.1 billion. The sectors attracting the most significant Italian investment include infrastructure, particularly high-speed rail transport, aligning with Turkey’s ambition to become a Eurasian logistics hub. Energy, automotive, and finance also represent key areas of Italian involvement, with major companies like Edison, Eni, Saipem, Tenaris, FSI, and Webuild actively engaged in strategically important projects.
The commitment to further economic integration is evident in the joint declaration from the April 2025 summit, which set a new bilateral trade target of $40 billion. To facilitate this, the Third Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO) Meeting is slated for the fourth quarter of 2025 in Turkey.
Political Dialogue and Geopolitical Alignment
Beyond economics, Italy and Turkey engage in regular political dialogue and often find common ground on various regional and international issues. Both nations are integral members of NATO and the G20, providing platforms for close cooperation and coordination.
While Turkey’s long-standing aspiration for full European Union membership faces ongoing challenges, largely due to concerns over democratic backsliding, human rights, and the rule of law, Italy has generally adopted a more supportive stance than some other EU members. Italy recognizes Turkey’s strategic significance, particularly its role in managing migration flows and its geopolitical position in the Euro-Mediterranean region. The 2016 EU-Turkey deal on migration, which significantly reduced irregular crossings into Greece, highlights Turkey’s crucial role in European stability.
The April 2025 summit underscored a shared commitment to addressing pressing global issues. Discussions covered the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the dire situation in Gaza, and the persistent challenges of irregular migration and climate change. Both leaders emphasized the importance of security and connectivity in the Mediterranean, positioning their countries as central players in the region’s evolving architecture. A joint statement on the urgent need for a long-term ceasefire in Gaza was issued, alongside expressions of support for Syria’s territorial integrity and enhanced cooperation in managing irregular migration.
The summit also saw the official launch of a joint venture between Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar and Italian defense giant Leonardo in the field of unmanned systems. This significant development carries strategic implications for European defense integration and potentially enhances Turkey’s access to EU markets, demonstrating a pragmatic approach to collaboration in sensitive sectors. This military cooperation further solidifies their bond as NATO allies.
Cultural Exchange: Bridging Continents and Minds
The cultural exchange between Italy and Turkey is vibrant and deeply rooted, mirroring the historical connections between the two regions. This mutual fascination and appreciation for each other’s heritage continue to thrive in 2025, manifested through various programs and initiatives.
Education plays a crucial role in fostering cultural understanding. Universities in both countries actively participate in exchange programs, such as Erasmus+, allowing students to immerse themselves in different academic and social environments. Istanbul Aydin University, for instance, offers student exchange opportunities for Italian students, promoting cross-cultural learning and collaboration. Similarly, Italian universities attract Turkish students seeking higher education in diverse fields. These academic exchanges contribute to a deeper appreciation of each other’s languages, traditions, and perspectives.
Artistic and cultural events also serve as vital bridges. Exhibitions showcasing Italian art in Turkey and Turkish art in Italy are common, celebrating the rich artistic legacies of both nations. Music festivals, film screenings, and culinary events further enhance cultural dialogue, offering people the opportunity to experience and appreciate the diversity each country offers. For example, joint cultural events are often organized around major historical anniversaries or contemporary artistic movements. The co-hosting of the 2032 UEFA European Football Championship, a decision announced during the April 2025 summit, represents a significant step in fostering people-to-people diplomacy through the universal language of sport.
Tourism also acts as a powerful catalyst for cultural exchange. While Italy has long been a global tourism magnet, Turkey has seen a remarkable surge in its tourism sector. According to the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) 2025 World Tourism Barometer, Turkey has surpassed Italy to become the 4th most-visited country globally, recording 62.3 million visitors in 2024. This growth signifies increased human interaction and exposure to each other’s cultures, contributing to greater understanding and goodwill. Italian citizens enjoy visa-free travel to Turkey for short stays, further facilitating tourism and personal connections.
Recent Trends and Future Outlook (as of 2025)
The trajectory of Italy-Turkey relations in 2025 is largely positive, marked by a pragmatic and cooperative approach. Several key trends are shaping this dynamic:
Deepening Economic Interdependence: The significant increase in trade volume and the ambitious $40 billion trade target underscore a clear commitment to strengthening economic ties. Investment in strategic sectors like energy and infrastructure is expected to continue growing, creating more interconnected supply chains and fostering joint ventures. The focus on high-speed rail transport in Turkey, with Italian expertise and investment, is a prime example of this trend.
Strategic Alignment on Security: Despite occasional differing perspectives, particularly in regions like Libya or the Eastern Mediterranean, both countries recognize the importance of regional security and stability. Their collaboration within NATO remains a crucial element. The joint venture in unmanned systems between Baykar and Leonardo highlights a shared interest in advancing defense capabilities and potentially enhancing European defense integration.
Pragmatic Diplomacy: The regular bilateral summits, characterized by direct and focused discussions, demonstrate a pragmatic approach to resolving differences and identifying areas of mutual benefit. The ability of leaders to engage despite past disagreements indicates a mature diplomatic relationship.
Cultural Diplomacy and People-to-People Connections: The emphasis on cultural exchange, sporting events, and educational programs indicates a long-term vision for fostering understanding beyond political and economic interests. The co-hosting of Euro 2032 will undoubtedly boost cultural ties and tourism.
Challenges and Opportunities: While the overall outlook is positive, challenges remain, particularly concerning Turkey’s EU accession process and certain geopolitical sensitivities. However, the willingness to engage in dialogue and find common ground suggests that both nations are committed to navigating these complexities constructively. Opportunities abound in renewable energy, given both countries’ commitments to climate action, and in further cooperation in advanced manufacturing and technology.
FAQ Section
Q: What are the primary economic drivers of the Italy-Turkey relationship in 2025?
A: The primary economic drivers are robust trade, with a 15.2% increase in total volume in 2024 to €29.7 billion, and significant Italian direct investments in Turkey, particularly in infrastructure, energy, and automotive sectors. The goal of reaching $40 billion in bilateral trade underscores this economic focus.
Q: How do Italy and Turkey cooperate on security matters?
A: As NATO allies, Italy and Turkey cooperate closely on security, engaging in regular strategic dialogue and coordination. A notable recent development is the joint venture between Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar and Italian defense giant Leonardo in the field of unmanned systems, highlighting their commitment to shared defense capabilities.
Q: What is the current status of Turkey’s EU accession process in relation to Italy?
A: While Turkey’s EU accession process has been stalled due to concerns over democratic standards, Italy has generally maintained a supportive stance, recognizing Turkey’s strategic importance, especially in managing migration. The April 2025 summit reaffirmed Italy’s interest in advancing the Türkiye-EU Visa Liberalization Dialogue and modernizing the Customs Union.
Q: How do cultural exchanges between Italy and Turkey foster deeper ties?
A: Cultural exchanges are fostered through various avenues, including educational programs like Erasmus+, which facilitate student and academic mobility. Additionally, artistic exhibitions, music festivals, culinary events, and the upcoming joint hosting of the 2032 UEFA European Football Championship contribute significantly to mutual understanding and people-to-people connections.
Final Thoughts
The relationship between Italy and Turkey, while historically complex, has evolved into a robust and increasingly strategic partnership in the 21st century. Driven by strong economic interdependence, a shared commitment to regional stability, and vibrant cultural exchanges, both nations are actively working towards deepening their cooperation. The recent high-level summits and concrete agreements in sectors like trade, defense, and energy underscore a pragmatic and forward-looking approach. While challenges remain, particularly concerning Turkey’s EU accession, the overarching trend points towards continued collaboration and mutual benefit. This dynamic partnership, bridging Europe and Asia, holds significant potential for contributing to peace, prosperity, and cultural understanding in the wider Euro-Mediterranean region and beyond.
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