Turks in Montenegro


Turks in Montenegro, also known as Montenegrin Turks, are ethnic Turks who form an ethnic minority in Montenegro.

History

In 1496 the Ottoman Empire conquered Montenegro which bequeathed a significant Turkish community due to the Ottoman colonisation process. However, in the early 20th century, after the Ottomans were defeated in the Balkan Wars, the majority of Turks along with other Muslims living in the region left their homes and migrated to Turkey.

Demographics

According to the 2011 census, there were 104 Turks living in the country, forming a minority of some 0.02% of the total population. However, the former vice president of the Parliament of Montenegro, Suljo Mustafić, has stated that whilst there are only 50 families which still speak the Turkish language, the population of Montenegrins of Turkish origin is significantly higher.

Age-sex structure

The average age of the Turkish minority is slightly higher than 40 years old. The population is overwhelmingly male, as there are only 36 females.

Religion

is the predominant faith among Turks in Montenegro: 101 out of 104 ethnic Turks belong to this religion. There is one Turkish atheist living in Montenegro and two other Turks did not state their religion.

Diaspora

Many Montenegrin Turks have emigrated to Turkey and live predominately in Istanbul and Izmir.

Notable people