10.06.2026 01:40
A new page has been opened in diplomacy between Iceland and Turkey, a period when "killing Turks was legal." With Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's latest decree, Kiev Ambassador Mustafa Levent Bilgen has been appointed as Turkey's first Ambassador to Reykjavik. This historic move, which shifts the relations long conducted through Oslo directly to Icelandic soil, is considered a turning point in Ankara's North European expansion.
Among the new ambassadorial appointments announced by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, one of the most notable assignments was Iceland. While Kiev Ambassador Mustafa Levent Bilgen was appointed to Turkey's first embassy to be opened in Reykjavik, a new page was also opened in diplomatic relations between the two countries.
IT HAD BEEN CONDUCTED THROUGH OSLO FOR YEARS
Until now, there were no mutual embassies between Turkey and Iceland. Diplomatic contacts between the two countries were carried out through the Turkish Embassy in Oslo and the Icelandic Embassy in Oslo.
With Ankara's decision to open an embassy in Reykjavik, Turkey will have a permanent diplomatic mission in Iceland for the first time. This step is expected to further develop cooperation in political, economic, and security fields.
POSITIVE MESSAGE FROM ICELAND
Icelandic Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir announced that they welcome Turkey's decision to open an embassy in Reykjavik.
However, Gunnarsdottir also stated that Iceland does not plan to open a reciprocal embassy in Ankara at this stage. The Icelandic Minister expressed that relations between the two countries continue in a stable and constructive manner as they currently stand.
"TURKEY IS ONE OF NATO'S STRONGEST MEMBERS"
Emphasizing that relations between Turkey and Iceland are built on strong foundations, Gunnarsdottir noted that NATO membership is one of the most important common grounds between the two countries.
The Icelandic Minister stated, "Relations between the countries are quite regular and in good condition. We are both NATO members, and Turkey is a strong country with the second largest military force within the alliance."
A NEW ERA IN NORTHERN EUROPE
Turkey's decision to open an embassy in Reykjavik is considered not only in terms of diplomatic representation but also as an indicator of its strategic interest in the North Atlantic and Arctic region.
Experts indicate that the new embassy will strengthen Ankara's hand in cooperation regarding NATO, energy, trade, tourism, and the polar region. With Mustafa Levent Bilgen assuming office, Turkey-Iceland relations are expected to progress on a more intense and direct diplomatic ground.
KILLING TURKS WAS LEGAL IN THE COUNTRY
Killing Turks in Iceland was legally permitted until the 1970s. The story behind the enactment of this law is quite interesting.
In 1627, the Ottoman navy led by Murat Reis captured about 400 Icelanders in approximately 26 days. Due to the kidnappings that occurred in the towns of Grindavik, Austfiroir, and Vestmannaeyjar, killing Turkish citizens who set foot in Iceland became permitted in 1627.
However, no Turkish citizen was ever killed because of this law. In fact, this law was forgotten in later years, until an Icelander brought it back to the agenda. This law, which allowed the killing of Turks, was abolished in the 1970s. Yet, in these three towns in Iceland, Turks are still sometimes referred to as 'Tyrkjaranid', meaning 'Turk who steals people'.