Türkiye A Rising Phoenix in Need of Muamalat

For years, Türkiye’s economy has suffered under the weight of foreign dependency, runaway inflation, and an overreliance on the U.S. dollar. Yet, at the same time, Ankara has been quietly and effectively building a new foreign policy rooted in strategic autonomy—a mix of expanding influence abroad, diversifying partnerships, and asserting independence from traditional Western powers. However, there are still troubles domestically due to the inflation, leading to a neglected youth who dream of leaving their homeland. The solution thus lies in having a currency that is independent of the US Dollar, which will benefit Türkiye and their collaborators. 

The question now is simple: will Türkiye match its bold moves abroad with the courage to establish a truly sovereign economic model at home?

Expanding Influence Abroad

Recent developments reveal a Türkiye that is no longer content with being a passive player in global politics. Instead, it is positioning itself as a decisive actor, particularly across Africa and Central Asia.

• In Africa, Türkiye has increased its presence through trade, investment, infrastructure, and humanitarian aid. Turkish drones, textiles, housing projects, and agricultural initiatives have given Ankara influence well beyond the continent’s northern rim.
• A concrete example is the multi-billion-dollar agreement with Burkina Faso, covering joint military production, textile plants, solar energy, housing, and agriculture. This deal is not framed as charity but as equal partnership, contrasting sharply with the legacy of exploitative colonial ties.

Burkina Faso’s leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has made clear his desire to reclaim his country’s resources—especially gold—from foreign hands. Türkiye, seeking to chart its own path to independence, finds in him a natural partner.

Equal Partnerships and Strategic Alliances

Türkiye’s foreign policy in Africa and Asia reflects a broader strategy: no longer dependent on one bloc, but open to diverse alliances.

• As a NATO member, Türkiye still maintains ties with the West, but it also explores membership in the BRICS bloc, signaling a pivot toward multipolarity.
• Its growing role in Africa underscores a break with the Western model of “aid” and dependency. Instead, Türkiye presents itself as a nation that treats partners with respect—cooperation, not subordination.

This approach strengthens Türkiye’s claim to be a middle power with leadership potential—not only for the Muslim world but for all nations seeking alternatives to Western dominance.

The Domestic Challenge: Inflation and the Dollar Trap

Yet, while Türkiye is making the right moves abroad, its domestic foundation remains fragile. Inflation is rampant, the lira is weak, and the dependency on the U.S. dollar for trade and reserves cripples true sovereignty.

Without addressing this, Türkiye risks a paradox: expanding its influence in Africa and Asia while watching its own youth dream of emigrating for stability and opportunity. The symbolism of Türkiye rising abroad must not be hollowed out by economic despair at home.

The reality is stark: no nation can be sovereign when its economy is chained to the dollar.

The Gold Dinar: A Pillar for a New Model

Here is where Türkiye has an opportunity—perhaps the only one strong enough to break the cycle. By reviving the concept of the gold dinar as a foundation for trade and savings, Türkiye can establish an independent, stable economic base.

• Traoré’s insistence on reclaiming Burkina Faso’s gold dovetails with Türkiye’s potential to create a new payment system, insulated from the volatility of fiat currencies and the domination of the dollar.
• This is not mere theory. In September 2025, China launched its “electro-yuan”, a digital currency designed for renewable energy trading with Uzbekistan and other Central Asian partners. The message is clear: alternatives to the dollar are possible, and they are already being built.

If China can design a regional payment system anchored in energy, why can Türkiye not lead one anchored in gold?

A Call for Sovereignty

The path is clear. Türkiye’s foreign policy shows vision and boldness. But that boldness must extend to economics. A sovereign Türkiye requires:

1. Breaking dollar dependency through alternative settlement systems.
2. Reviving gold as a trading instrument, with pilot programs alongside partners like Burkina Faso.

This is not a call for isolation. It is a call for sovereignty. A Türkiye that anchors itself on justice, fair trade, and independence can lead—not only for itself but for the entire Muslim world.

Conclusion

Türkiye is doing the right things abroad. Its strategic autonomy policy, equal partnerships in Africa, and openness to multipolar alliances are commendable. But unless these moves are matched by a new socioeconomic model at home, the progress will remain incomplete.

Burkina Faso’s push to reclaim its gold and China’s creation of the electro-yuan both point the way. Türkiye must seize this moment to revive the gold dinar, build independent trade systems, and finally free itself from the chains of the dollar.

The means are already with us. All that remains is to act—relying not on the IMF, not on Washington or Brussels, but upon Allah.