Turks in Bosnia and Herzegovina
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| (267 (1991 census) 50,000 (academic estimates)) |
|
| Languages | |
| Turkish and Bosnian | |
| Religion | |
| Sunni Islam |
The Turks in Bosnia and Herzegovina, also known as Bosnian Turks, are ethnic Turks who form the oldest ethnic minority in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Turkish community began to settle in the region in the 15th century under Ottoman rule, however many Turks emigrated to Turkey when Bosnia and Herzegovina came under Austro-Hungarian rule.
Due to the Ottoman colonisation process, a significant Turkish community arrived in the region when the Ottoman Empire conquered the Bosnian kingdom in 1463. The Turkish community grew steadily throughout the Ottoman rule of Bosnia; however, after the Ottomans were defeated in the Balkan Wars (1912–13), the majority of Turks, along with other Muslims living in the region, left their homes and migrated to Turkey as "Muhacirs" (refugees).
In 2003 the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted the Law on the Protection of Rights of Members of National Minorities. According to the Law, the Turkish minority's cultural, religious, educational, social, economic, and political freedoms are protected by the State.
The Turkish language is officially recognized as a minority language of Bosnia and Herzegovina in accordance with the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, under Article 2, paragraph 2, of the 2010 ratification.
The Turkish minority practice the Sunni branch of Islam but tend to be highly secular.
Turkish community in Bosnia is well provided, due to historical strong bond between both countries.
According to the 1991 population census there was 267 Turks living in Bosnia and Herzegovina; however, current estimates suggest that the Turkish minority actually numbers 50,000.
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