Wandering Singapore’s Arab Street, the comforting warmth of a cuisine from 8000km away permeates the air. From the spices to the fresh pide, a piece of Turkiye is planted into every corner.

For the Turkish minority living in Singapore, these moments are anchors to a homeland left behind. Working in Singapore’s fast paced cityscape whilst their hearts remain tethered to villages in Turkiye, creates a persona that is layered and bittersweet. This dual belonging shapes their identity: Turkish in heritage yet shaped by the traditions of Singaporean life. Living under a red and white flag, whilst yearning for another.

This minority community holds stories of longing and the quiet negotiation of identity between two homes.

This story was produced as part of a federal government New Colombo Plan funded Curtin Journalism Singapore Study Tour.