Being Black In Istanbul Turkey | Is Turkey Safe For Blacks in 2020

[@_Redronin_]

In general, Turks are not racist , but many of us have never met a black person in our daily lives, so when we see a black person, we can act extremely curious.

[@beingsharon2263]

Thanks for watching

[@Rakelnalaa]

I still don't understand how some people have never seen a black person

[@_Redronin_]

@@Rakelnalaa Of course we see it on TV every day. But if you live in non-tourist areas of Turkey , it is impossible to meet a black person. I have never seen a black person in parts of eastern Turkey , but a lot of black people live in Istanbul.

[@Rakelnalaa]

That's interesting

[@selinac3892]

Rakel J And I don’t understand how YOU don’t understand... Just try empathize with us? There are literally no black people in Turkey. We have no black roots and black people only go to Istanbul in Turkey. That’s why it’s unusual to see a black person in Turkey-other than istanbul.

[@hstyler69]

i am a turk and i grew up in germany and black music is my favorite, my best friend she was from africa and to this day we are still friends, i went to her home i was in love with her family because they are so kind especially her father...

[@beingsharon2263]

Wow thats so nice to hear...i hope you continue being friends with her. Thanks for sharing

[@eversut1]

Dear Sharon, I would like to give some information about the attitude in Turkey to African people: I do not think you can call the attituted or behaviour as racism, the only right words to desribe your experiences are “ignorance” and “rudeness”. The only picture of Africa for Turks is “hunger” and “naked skinny kids with ball-like bellies”. In 1985 there was a huge campaigne carried by the government and that lasted for months. There was only 1 TV channel and the narrator asked contribution to Africa with a voice and text that made you cry. That campaign just drew a picture of Africa in Turkish People’s minds that you can’t erase. From time to time there are campaigns to collect money for Africa by some charities showing the same pictures of Africa. And many of these charities are just cheaters. Kızılay (our Red Cross) always shows that some of the contributions Turkish people make just go to Africa. Also American movies have huge influence on Turkish people. We always think that Black People have suffered so much that they have always been of low class with no money trying to survive. Also we know nothing about real Africa, the geography, economy, countries, industry, education…just NOTHING. Also you know that we do tend to speak to foreigners, and we have nothing to talk about except the HUNGER in Africa. The other issue is “rudeness”. Some people are rude and don’t care about others’ feelings and speak to you in a thoughtless way, asking questions that you should never ask anyone that you have just met. This is pure rudeness but not racism. I am sure many of those rude people would host you in their homes. There are few things that I am proud of my country and one of them is “we are not racist”. I hope you enjoy your life in Turkey and you only meet good people.

[@AMEENA149]

Thank you for sharing!!!

[@jusselinebelance570]

I love your English and yes you're right. The media makes people think that all black people are poor and hungry but thanks to internet you can look for the community. And yes one day I will visit Turkey and I don't care if they look at me differently cause yes God made me this way and I know I'm beautiful and lucky to born with that skin color. I will be proud to answer all their curious question and I will drink tea like crazy and let me tell you one last thing I know your culture very well and I know i will enjoy my stay there. Time to go purchasing my visa. And the last thing I am from Haiti the first black country to become free from slave. Yes we are the leader of freedom but we still paying the price.

[@eversut1]

@@jusselinebelance570 You are so fu*king enthusiastic that you tell me our national anthem. After the World War 1, we defended our country against England, France, Italy and Greece. We won our independence war and then our heroic poet wrote the lyrics of our anthem. It is 10 stanzas, and in the third one it says what YOU feel now: I have been free since the beginning and forever will be so. What madman shall put me in chains! I defy the very idea! I’m like the roaring flood; powerful and independent, I’ll tear apart mountains, exceed the heavens and still gush out! So, good luck my deerest! And welcome already!

[@AMEENA149]

@@jusselinebelance570 I enjoyed reading you.

[@soniaadede]

It's such relief to hear that it's safe for foreigners especially blacks. Wish you guys all the safety while you guys are there.

[@TheDeltapikin]

My husband has Turkish friends also as coworkers for my own experience they are nice people.

[@ediyana9501]

I live in America but I’ve had Turkish customers at work & they are really nice people. I can’t wait to visit Istanbul it’s def in my list

[@ardaeksigil3312]

Very informative. Thanks for reflecting on racist thoughts and behaviour in Turkish society. We, Turks, need more vocal accounts like that.

[@beingsharon2263]

thanks for watching. be blessed

[@ardaeksigil3312]

@@beingsharon2263 Thank you. Please keep up the good work:) Cheers

[@favourngozi7018]

You are special, African people are so special that’s how you are and that is how we have to be seeing ourselves dear

[@BeautyAgbontaenTV]

In every society, there is always good and bad

[@kaganayhan8437]

Is there something good in north korea?

[@AlperenBAYRAM]

Lovely video, you're right about Turkish people being ignorant about black people or, even any people coming outside of Turkey. Only during the last 10 years, Turkish youngsters started to roam around the World but as for standard, ordinary people on the street, I actually understand them staring at you. As for touching the hair, its weird af, especially if its coming from a dude

[@beingsharon2263]

Thanks for watching

[@kemi1uk1]

When I went to Turkey I met some nice Turkish people, I also met some very aggressive ones so I am beginning to think is an individual thing. Interesting chat

[@hyturkyilmaz]

Yes we have so many uneducated people even we can’t stand their ignorance. We grow up without knowledge of racism but there are small headed people...

[@RashidFreestyler]

These are the videos i'm always looking for. Le mi sit down and grab a cup of coffee for my self and watch....

[@beingsharon2263]

Thanks for watching

[@aishaghaniem]

I enjoyed watching this as im African. Turkey is still very new for me so thanks!

[@FlorasForte]

i love how relaxed you were in this video and for bringing your friend in aswell. thanks for sharing your experience with us. Racism is such a big topic and it's always a good idea to throw lights on this topic. I'm sure not everyone is racist, some people get fascinated with my hair texture were i stay and i don't find it rude, well i guess it depends on how they say it

[@TheDiasporaChannel]

This is another great video racism is everywhere but thank God there are some good people also .

[@epitaphhk13]

The Diaspora Channel oh yes they are always a good people thank god

[@NaturalktedyEdna]

Oooh gal your filming room looks beautiful. Level up 2020 I see. Neat and beautiful

[@beingsharon2263]

lol let me let u in on the secret i filmed in my living room while standing lol...

[@NaturalktedyEdna]

Wow. That corner is dope then.

[@gersonperdomo8952]

It is an honor to watch your videos my friend 👏👏

[@jessyhome9615]

One thing about racism depends on how the person understand it, even in their mist, there is always the good ones. Thanks for sharing

[@gamzeugur155]

When my mom sees a Black person she always says How lovely and beautiful these people are. So many people also like black people believe me. Finds them really cool, lively, talented and friendly. I am a teacher who is working online. And Inhave so many students from different parts of Africa. And I am learning so many things everyday. The thing is Turkey doesn’t have much contact with Africa and its culture that’s why they don’t know much. But on the other hand I have met so many African students they don’t know much about Turkey too and that’s understandable. If people can make friends with different cultures they can learn more together. And one needs to be open minded and speak a few languages to get this kind of contact. Some of my African students told me I am the only white person they have contact with. So the same goes for Turkish people. Anyways. Africa is beautiful with its amazing people.🙏💐❤️🥰

[@Preciousdocumentaries]

Ah thank you for this video! You've said so many strong points there! The way the rest of the world portrays Africa is really annoying!!!!!!

[@AutisticMelon1]

Well, in our night clubs we play lots of African music and we dance to them. I especially like Drogba- Joanna.

[@nakitahope4566]

Playing Africa music doesn't mean you can't be racist even having African friends still doesn't mean you can't be racist

[@mustafasaricoglu]

I lived in Africa for two years and Africans are more racist to each other I experienced between tribes

[@beingsharon2263]

Africa is a continent...be specific

[@mustafasaricoglu]

I lived in Ethiopia Burundi Equatorial Guinea , Rwanda also as you know everyone call white person mzungu . And a lot of thieves

[@alevsahin3740]

Yes you’re right. In general our society is highly ignorant and ask offensive questions without realizing how offensive it is. However their approaches toward outsiders are seriously due to the lack of knowledge and not being able to relate with outsiders. It has nothing to do with racism. They also talk offensively while having no boundaries amongst each other. I live outside of Turkey and I get very offended when I talk to my own cousins living in Turkey. They are overall rude have no limitations to what they can say towards me which is highly offensive. Sorry to say this but It’s simply in the nature of how Turkish people talk and think in Turkey. Nothing to do with racism.

[@peaceinmyzone]

In every place ,country racism is practised but you cannot fail to find good people

[@IRUKASTYLE]

There are good and bad people everywhere. Africana hair is unique and beautiful that is why they want to see and touch it.

[@shahama6543]

Really beautiful hair

[@nagihanakdeniz1867]

Of course there are bad people every country but we, as a Turk we are not racist. For example, I live in Istanbul and there are so many black people in here, we love them so much and they love us so much♥️🇹🇷

[@beingsharon2263]

True bad people in all societies.thanks for watching

[@batu2359]

Hello, Shareon! You always welcomed in Turkey. Actually, all Africans are welcomed here! There are Africans in Turkey since Ottoman Empire. Your people always helped us.

[@beingsharon2263]

thank you and thanks for watching

[@TyreseTyGetItTheOriginal05]

I feel like everywhere is like that from white to our skin color being black because it's like we got to look at ourselves like you brown skin they look at you like you too dark or some accept that some it depending on how you was raised and how you was taught around do you know that's how it comes from and it sucks that everyday life we got to continue going through racism but I keep praying for the ones that you know I feel like everywhere is like that phone white took our skin color being black because it's like we got to look at us says like you brown skin they look at you like you too dark or some accept that some it depending how you was raised and how we was taught around you you know that's how it comes from and it sucks that everyday life we got to continue going through racism but I keep praying for the ones that you know color is just color you know but people don't see it as that because people think they got us pretty tone then you they got a this the other ones that looks and was born the way they was born so it's sucks but I do agree with her a hundred percent on

[@Tip_Top]

I'm sorry you have to deal with this and I'm sorry so many people try to invalidate your feelings and experiences.

[@NicolesDiary]

Hy nice content just discovered your channel it seems your Ugandan am Ugandan too living in India nice video

[@callmelady9871]

Sometimes it is the image that the media sendback to the world about africa.

[@AyleensFoodVlogs]

I agree with every society there are good and bad people even in Africa we have our own type of racism that is Tribalism. I agree those ignorant , non exposed are the ones . I also dont like someone going direct to touch my hair, I understand some are curious they have never had contact and want to just know how it feels but its good to ask. Stares used to bother me but not anymore.

[@Rakelnalaa]

I like how she explained it. The first lady

[@umr4623]

I used to live in an unpopular city in turkey and i dint see a single black person so that why i went on this vid

[@JoyDubai]

Hey sharon, i have watched your video and now i have a clue about Turkey. But Those who practice Racism in this world should stop otherwise The Lord will heavily punish them.

[@alialtun5783]

Also there is a afro turks in izmir every year there’s a African festival over there look into that too maybe visit

[@justrukia7629]

I agree with her!

[@zoeyymyu]

I recently found out I’m Turkish I thought I was only black lol!! Anyways this was really interesting!

[@reuben9380]

But not alll but most do this I experienced too 😉@Sharon you was speaking home language are you home or just a friend over there 😉😉 You guys came out with an amazing topic thanks very much for sharing ...but I believe on this earth we are all equal ✌💪

[@beingsharon2263]

the people speak Luganda so yeah thats why but i wish i was home...Aunty Norah i really appreciate u boo.i hope u know for always coming thru watching my content

[@WhiteOreotastic]

I've been to turkey and I will just say I won't be visiting again. And yes I am black!

[@beingsharon2263]

Sorry about your experience i hope some day you will change your mind. Be blessed

[@selinac3892]

Maryama why?

[@msg653]

y

[@WhiteOreotastic]

@@selinac3892 I didn't like the suspicious stares . Standing out everywhere I went was difficult for me. I didn't enjoy the attention I got whenever I set a foot outside. Lack of multiculturalism is why I won't be returning.

[@selinac3892]

Maryama I’m really sorry for you as a Turkish person. I have some black friends living in Turkey and they’ve said the opposite things to me... But please remember that it’s not that we are racist towards black people, it’s just that there are not so many black people in Turkey. 🙏🏼 please forgive us that u felt uncomfortable

[@alperenerkan5152]

turks are not racist to blacks at all, actually we like blacks then other peoples. racism in turkey works for arabs and kurds mostly

[@beingsharon2263]

thanks bro there are some good ones

[@nakitahope4566]

True I think you're very Wright with that I find real Turkish people very nice but it's hard to differentiate between Kurdish, Arab, and Turkish people some time

[@ninobk196]

I wonder if people would react the same way if you were black from the USA vs Africa. Do you know any black Americans and their experience?

[@beingsharon2263]

Don't know any black Americans but would love to hear their experience

[@umibrahimibrahim4966]

Turkish are serious looking and reserved by nature. Arabs are facing the same issues you mentioned. There's a propaganda against Turkey.

[@biancabelinda8623]

Interesting topic, not all but this is everywhere in the words

[@JuliaBeautyandStyle]

Interesting topic. Good tips to look out visiting!

[@ekkiemcfly2629]

I am supporter of african people i am from Australia i would like to meet you in turkey we can have a short interview regards about background culture difference

[@BoriousDIY]

Wow! Some people don't ask before touching your hair? surprising!

[@M1xxyrbblx]

Damn so sorry you guys feel that way. You just didnt meet right people

[@selinac3892]

I’m so sorry for you as a Turkish person.

[@this_is_africa]

Sharon, are those plants from IKEA?

[@beingsharon2263]

Yes they are from ikea

[@this_is_africa]

@@beingsharon2263 👍

[@sinaneken3601]

Please stay in us turkey don’t need your visitation us love black people no racism in us

[@KingdomLife05]

Why so many black women making videos of them In turkey 🤔🤔🤔🤔 I’m noticing a pattern here ..

[@Rakelnalaa]

Sharon mukendenze ku accent

[@beingsharon2263]

🤣🤣

[@waldenmcnair3088]

God willing I will go soon

[@nxtchpforme9154]

What are the doing in Turkey.

[@SarafinahN]

makeup is boom

[@user-lw5ez6ic1d]

Keep drop them an other interesting video lovely.

[@afrodelicacies]

This racist of a thing ,depend on the individual and understanding.not all are racist .

[@burakayan3360]

sorry but i have to mention couple of things to defend my country. there might be racist people, just like anywhere in the world. and there might be racist people in turkish society. i am not going to advocate them. apart from racism , there is one thing called as xenophobia, which is mistrust and apathy agianst foreign people. which is also pretty common in world wide. i don't know where you are from, maybe us maybe any african state. but can you tell me that if there is no racism in black society towards white people. i am sure about one thing, white people are facing with their racism. no matter what. but black people have racists as well but they do not even mention single case about it. i am a turkish person and let's imagine that i went to zimbabwe ? what would happen ? the culture is different, the people have prejudice against white people due to history and media. i would experience far worse life than you in here turkey. it is true that turkish people don't speak english, cus we are turkish, and we as a sovereign nation we speak our language, which limits our world wide perspective and information about other countries. and some of you go to cities that even i havent been in my life. in small turkish cities, any reaction is possible. but i am sure that in big cities, izmir ankara and istanbul. there would be no problem. i think, declaring turkish people as racist towards africans would be a mistake. because i am sure that turkey is far better than europe in terms of racism. on top of that, its certain that turkish people are not racist but holy god, we hold a great grudge towards our enemies. and animosity is earned easier than sympathy in turkish people heart. thank you for reading :) sorry for mistakes. i am a turkish person after all.

[@beingsharon2263]

Did you watch and listen to the whole video...ooh by the way i live in Istanbul

[@burakayan3360]

@@beingsharon2263 yes i did.

[@madeincomboran1169]

Great upload...👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@القناةمغلقة-غ2م]

hey , i suggest to put your camera down a little bit . secondly look at the lens the small black spot , dont look at the screen . use tripod , or gorilla pod for your phone or camera it should costs less than 100 TL if you need anything like tips or some help in your videos ill be more than happy to help you . i live in turkey to and we should see you at spoken word Istanbul event .

[@beingsharon2263]

thankss for the tips i was using the back of my phone camera so i wasnt looking at myself

[@القناةمغلقة-غ2م]

You weren’t looking at me 👀

[@tonywalton1052]

I am never going to Turkey. By the way: I love rock music.

[@darlenesimmons6065]

thank you great information

[@elianahjosephine2053]

Wow Great Video 👏

[@nxtchpforme9154]

The idea that jobs state the race desired.

[@TyreseTyGetItTheOriginal05]

Hey beautiful Sharon

[@Zamacofficial]

Hate racism

[@edipsaln]

I didn't see racism actions against to black people in Turkey. People likes them. But there is some racism actions to Kurdish people. If a Kurdish man talks Kurdish language among Turks, he can be threatened. (My friend had this racist action and there are many examples). By the way I love black girls ❤️

[@nakitahope4566]

That's not love you're talking about that's called fetishism you shouldn't love someone because of their skin colors or body features you should love someone because you feel connect to her and genuinely love her am a black girl but because of very many men here in Turkey that fetishes black women I even get scared of walking outside alone when I walk on the streets alone I meet very many men that are wired and that scares me even makes me uncomfortable

[@edipsaln]

@@nakitahope4566 You are wrong about me. I don't love any woman. That's not about fetishism. I like African culture and i like African people. You are not alone. Many attractive girls in turkey are afraid to walk alone through the streets. I actually only met with black men here, not women.

[@JESUSFORALL]

Africa needs to get rid of embezzlers as heads of states, who keeps embezzling African resources, and not funding things that develops the various countries in Africa that they rule /presides over, so Africa develops, and Africans stop going to live outside the continent and meet those who are not fit to wash their feet, touching their hair. its simply rudeness ! No excuse for it in the 21st century !

[@reaganjohnson8026]

hi are you guys south africans

[@charmainej4820]

They don't even sound south african...so the answer is no...they sound East African, Kenya, Uganda...somewhere there

[@Rakelnalaa]

Akaviri kateke ku ship.

[@beingsharon2263]

Akaviri kalina corona virus 🤣

[@Rakelnalaa]

@@beingsharon2263 nga gwe takukola bubu send

[@funwithmemakeup]

This was an interesting video

[@nxtchpforme9154]

Children would be the most ignorant.

[@Mavischosen]

This racist of a thing need to stop

[@ozankantar6452]

Please start education from your own people.

[@nxtchpforme9154]

Sit next to someone...variety of people.

[@GeceBulusmalar]

Yavrum alayımmı seni fşğdafşğadşğf

[@Rakelnalaa]

I like how she explained it. The first lady

[@Rakelnalaa]

Akaviri kateke ku ship.