Somali owned restaurant shut down in Turkey amid rising racism

ANKARA - A popular restaurant has been closed down in the Turkish capital Ankara, with the owners of Somali origin now accusing the government of Turkey of unwarranted racism targeting the immigrant community from the Horn of Africa nation which is struggling with instability.

Muhammed Isa Abdullah and Messi Karakaya, the co-owners of the SAAB Cafe, claim their restaurant was unfairly targeted by authorities in Ankara's neighbourhood of Kizilay, which they blame on racial discrimination towards immigrants doing business in the country.

While lamenting of the setbacks, Abdulla shared photos of their restaurant with the "closed" label, which was further accompanied by wordings “Introduction, development, conclusion.” The restaurant is frequented by people of all races in the European country.

Karakaya sarcastically said “Now you got rid of us and you solved all the problems. Thanks.” The government of Turkey has not released an official statement regarding the claims which could trigger fallout between the friendly nations which have been working closely together for decades.

Historical records however indicate that Somali businesses have been the target of a fascist attack in Ankara's central Kızılay neighborhood, following a Turkish newspaper's racist reporting on Somali nationals. Xenophobic attacks are not common in Turkey but there are a few cases regarding the same.

Reports indicate that police in Ankara painted the restaurant's signage in white on the grounds that the green, yellow and red colors “remind a terrorist organization.” Further records show Abdullah was detained three months ago with a deportation order issued but he would be released later on.

In South Africa, Somali nationals have also been facing serious predicaments with locals attacking and looting their businesses. For Turkey, this is a new phenomenon given that the relationship between the two countries has never witnessed hiccups, with Turkey being a major donor to Somalia's social-economic courses.

GAROWE ONLINE