21.11.2025 12:06
According to the data from the Turkish Statistical Institute, Yozgat has earned the title of the city with the highest emigration rate in the country. Yozgat, which has lost 39.5% of its population, has a provincial population of 413,161 as of 2024.
The city that has given the most migration in Turkey is Yozgat. It was stated that the loss of 39.5% of its population in Yozgat is due to job, education, and health opportunities leading to migration.
Associate Professor Dr. Mümtaz Levent Akkol, a faculty member of the Sociology Department at Bozok University in Yozgat, mentioned that Yozgat has a historical migration story. He emphasized that we should also consider the people working abroad, whom we refer to as 'expats', stating that Yozgat's migration story is rooted in the past.
"ONCE MIGRATION STARTS, IT WILL CONTINUE"
Akkol stated that once migration begins, it will always continue. He continued his remarks as follows: "Migration movements that started at a certain point in history have gained continuity and are still ongoing. When we look at the cities in Turkey that give migration, we see Yozgat at the top. This is not a surprising result. There are push factors in Yozgat. In terms of geographical location, there is a phenomenon of nearby migration. There are migrant networks. Pioneer migrants can create supportive networks that encourage migration both domestically and abroad."
"JOB, EDUCATION, AND HEALTH OPPORTUNITIES ARE IMPORTANT"
Akkol pointed out that the issue of jobs is the most important matter, stating, "We can say that job opportunities in Yozgat have not been sufficient, especially in the past. Another factor is education and health opportunities. This leads to migration. Attractive factors define the cities to which migrants move. Such as having more job opportunities, and sufficient education and health facilities. The geographical location of Yozgat is decisive here. It can turn cities like Kayseri, Ankara, and Samsun into centers of attraction. How can this be reversed? It is possible through the re-planning of push and pull factors. I am currently speaking to you as a faculty member of Bozok University. This indicates that the educational opportunities are being improved. Improving facilities like university hospitals and state hospitals in health services can not only stop migration but also create attraction. Another important issue is job opportunities. A portion of the investments made in education and industry should be directed towards industry," he said.