Consulate-General of Turkey

Consulate-General of Türkiye 🇹🇷
Location: Room 301, 3/F, Sino Plaza, 255-257 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay

With a pressing urge to go to the restroom, we arrived at the bathroom down the hall from the Consulate. For several moments we were unable to open the door, suck fidgeting with the door knob, until a tall man opened the door from within. Unknowingly, this was our first encounter with the Turkish Vice Consul. When we entered the consulate, we were led to a large back office where the man we had just met in the bathroom, was waiting. This was Mr. Ocalan, the Vice Consul of Turkey in Hong Kong.

One of the things that Mr. Ocalan emphasized were the striking similarities in culture between Hong Kong and Turkey. Given Hong Kong’s international background and Turkey straddling Asia and Europe (literally), he told us that cultural diversity and similar familial values laid a foundation for strong relations between Turkey and Hong Kong. As such, one of the Turkish Consulate’s large focuses is cultural exchange, organizing Turkish art exhibitions, hosting Turkish movie screenings, and encouraging tourism to Turkey’s many historical destinations.

Currently, there are around 1000 Turkish people residing in Hong Kong, most of whom work in international companies, with many restaurant and store owners (heard of Ebeneezers?), and even a small group of students. Another important exchange between the two countries is trade. Turkey exports many cultural foodstuffs and jewelry to Hong Kong, and imports many electronics. One large Turkish company that works in Hong Kong is Etimaden, a mining company that specializes in Boron, as Turkey holds 72% of the world supply.

During this interview we were pleasantly surprised by the offer of some traditional Turkish coffee, which we gladly accepted. While a tiny bit gritty (Turkish coffee is served unfiltered), the flavor was incredibly unique, with an earthy foundation and fruity notes.

We’d like to thank Mr. Ocalan and his staff for their hospitality, and we encourage you all to visit Turkey in the future!