The Impact of Foreign Trade on Economic Growth in Turkey

This paper explores the impact of foreign trade on economic growth in Turkey, focusing on the period from 2002 to 2014. Foreign trade plays a pivotal role in driving economic expansion, particularly through exports, which contribute significantly to GDP growth, national income, and per capita income. Turkey, a leading industrial nation with a diversified economy, is heavily engaged in international trade, particularly in agriculture, textiles, automotive, and construction materials. This study examines the theoretical frameworks of foreign trade, including traditional and modern theories, and investigates their relevance to Turkey's economic performance. The research finds a strong positive correlation between foreign trade, especially exports, and economic growth, highlighting that trade liberalization and increased exports have bolstered Turkey's GDP and industrial production. Furthermore, the paper analyzes Turkey's macroeconomic indicators, showing improvements in GDP and per capita income during the study period. The study concludes that foreign trade has played a crucial role in Turkey's economic development, with key recommendations for sustaining growth, including sound economic policies, political stability, and integration into Islamic economic frameworks.