Shared Histories: Bonds Between Mexico and Türkiye Run Surprisingly Deep

Though Mexico and Türkiye are two very different countries, as a Mexican who has traveled to Türkiye (or Turkey) several times, I thought that Istanbul felt familiar. At the same time, somehow, exotic is hard to shake. Turks who have visited or lived in Mexico have often shared a similar perspective. 

Shared histories of ancient civilizations, bridges between continents, rich culinary traditions, a deep-rooted struggle to balance modernity with tradition, and a history of migration run deep indeed.

Ancient Roots

Mexico and Türkiye are cradles of some of the world’s oldest civilizations. Türkiye was home to the Hittites, Byzantines, and later the Ottomans, while Mexico was the heartland of the Maya, Aztec, and Olmec cultures. These civilizations left behind monumental architecture — pyramids, temples, and cities that still inspire awe today. Both countries have managed to preserve their indigenous heritage while integrating it into modern identity, creating a unique blend of old and new.

A Culinary Connection

Food is another powerful link between the two nations. The cuisines of Mexico and Türkiye are celebrated worldwide for their bold flavors, diverse ingredients, and communal dining traditions. Both rely heavily on staples like corn in Mexico and wheat in Türkiye, which are transformed into iconic dishes—tortillas and kebabs, tamales and börek. Spices play a central role, with chili peppers in Mexico and paprika and cumin in Türkiye adding depth to their dishes. Street food culture thrives in both countries, where markets buzz with vendors selling döner kebabs and their descendants, the beloved taco al pastor. 

Migration

The collapse of the Ottoman Empire in the early 20th century triggered waves of migration as former Ottoman subjects, including ethnic Turks, Arabs, Armenians, and others, sought refuge in distant lands. Among these destinations was Mexico, a country that, despite its geographical and cultural distance from the Middle East, became an unexpected haven for some Ottoman migrants. This movement was part of a broader diaspora, but the Turkish presence in Mexico remains a lesser-known chapter in the history of both nations. Aside from the culinary delights these former Ottomans brought to Mexico, many of their descendants, including Salma Hayek and Carlos Slim, the wealthiest man in Latin America, would achieve tremendous success.  

A Secular Tradition

Mexico and Türkiye also share a history of secularism forged through revolution. Both nations underwent dramatic transformations in the early 20th century, Türkiye under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and Mexico under leaders like Benito Juárez and later revolutionary figures who sought to separate religion from state power. This secular legacy remains a defining, sometimes contested, part of their national identities. Both countries continue to navigate the tension between tradition and progress, religious influence and state neutrality.

Telenovelas?

Mexico’s telenovelas have long been international hits, and Turkey is no exception. Classic Mexican series like Marimar (1994), starring Thalía and Rosalinda (1999) were dubbed into Turkish and became massive successes in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In recent years, the cultural exchange has gone the other way, with Turkish dramas gaining immense popularity in Mexico and Latin America. Kara Sevda, a tragic love story, became a sensation when it aired in Mexico under Amor Eterno, sparking interest in Turkish productions. Similarly, Muhteşem Yüzyıl (known as El Sultán in Spanish) captivated Mexican audiences with its opulent depiction of Ottoman history and palace intrigue.

Increased connectivity

As Mexicans have begun to discover just what a wonderful travel destination Türkiye is, and vice versa, new flights have begun to strengthen the connection between these two nations. The most popular of these, operated by Turkish Airlines, connects Mexico City and Cancún with Istanbul with several direct flights a week. 

A Shared Spirit

Beyond history and food, Mexico and Türkiye share a spirit of resilience. Both have faced political upheavals, economic challenges, and cultural shifts, yet their people remain fiercely proud of their heritage. Whether through the warmth of their hospitality or the richness of their traditions, these two nations remind us that human experiences are deeply connected, even across great distances.

In a world that often emphasizes differences, Türkiye and Mexico prove how much we have in common. Their stories, flavors, and struggles mirror each other in ways that invite reflection—perhaps, a shared meal.