A fascinating economic corridor is flourishing between Turkey and Senegal, fueled by a unique class of circular migrants known as “gratis passengers.” These entrepreneurs, often Senegalese traders, leverage discounted airfares and extra baggage allowances on airlines like Turkish Airlines to transport goods between Istanbul and Dakar. This back-and-forth movement has created a vibrant trade in Turkish products, locally called bagassu Turkii, which includes everything from clothing to cosmetics. The phenomenon is bolstered by easy visa policies and historical Muslim networks, helping bilateral trade surge from $91 million in 2008 to over $540 million in 2021. Beyond trade, the partnership also encompasses cultural, defense, and migration initiatives. However, while this trade provides economic opportunities, it also raises concerns about its impact on local Senegalese artisans, who now face increased competition.
The Conversation
