International funding often emerges as a controversial topic in Turkey’s political, intellectual, and academic debates. In arguments opposing certain ideas, a logical fallacy known as ad hominem is frequently employed, portraying proponents as agents of foreign funding states. This not only criminalizes international funds in the public eye but also undermines the culture of public debate, opening the door to labeling specific viewpoints as unpatriotic. As a result, international funding takes on a mythologized character. Its volume, distribution mechanisms, recipient institutions, and impact capacity are rarely examined and are instead left to the imagination of the public.
Moreover, ulusalist, Islamist and nationalist groups that use international funding as a tool of accusation often target more liberal segments of society. The intention here is to frame these funds as being solely transferred from the European Union and the United States and to emphasize that they benefit liberal-leaning individuals and institutions. Thus, the accusation of being a “grant seeker” (fonculuk) has become a tool in domestic political battles, making it nearly impossible to have an objective discussion on the topic. In other words, the term has become more of a rhetorical device, accepted uncritically as a taboo or a societal sin.
The objective of this study is to examine the international funding ecosystem in Turkey from various perspectives. In doing so, it aims to challenge the conspiratorial mindset built around fonculuk by presenting concrete data. To achieve this, the study will seek to answer the following questions:
- Why do international funds exist, and what do they signify in terms of freedoms?: This question will be addressed through a theoretical lens, exploring the relationship between international funds, individual freedoms, and socio-economic development. The positive and negative impacts of international funding on these issues will be discussed, drawing from relevant academic literature.
- How is the concept of international funding perceived in Türkiye?: This question will be addressed through the results of a public opinion survey conducted in collaboration with the Metropoll Research Company. The data generated from questions designed to understand public perception of funding and its impact on society will be analyzed to offer insights into how international funding is viewed by the Turkish public.
- What is the relationship between international funding and the media & civil society in Türkiye?: This question will be answered by evaluating the current relationship between civil society organizations (CSOs) and media platforms in Türkiye and international funding mechanisms. The assessment will be based on data gathered through methods such as archival research and media monitoring.
You can reach the the full report here: https://daktilo1984.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/TURKIYE-AND-THE-INTERNATIONAL-FUNDING-ECOSYSTEM.pdf