Gaziantep, Turkey – Glen Frederic Matheson, an Armenian-American attorney with historical family ties to the Ottoman Empire, has recently acquired Turkish citizenship and adopted the name “Murat.” During a significant period in Ottoman history, Matheson’s great-grandfather, Mihran Mesropyan, distinguished himself as an officer and chief palace architect, leaving a legacy that has profoundly impacted his descendant’s sense of identity.
Ali Sahin, a member of the Justice and Development Party from Gaziantep, facilitated Matheson’s transition to Turkish citizenship. Sahin shared details of Matheson’s deep-rooted connection with Turkey, stemming from his great-grandfather’s prominent roles in the Ottoman military and architectural landscape. The illustrious ancestor also participated in the Gallipoli Campaign and endured captivity in Syria, where he was honored with a state medal for his service.
The journey towards citizenship began approximately 18 months ago when Matheson, a respected lawyer in the United States, approached Sahin for assistance. Motivated by a strong affinity for his ancestral roots in Anatolia, Matheson successfully obtained his new nationality one month ago, declaring it the happiest day of his life, a sentiment that resonated deeply with Sahin as well.
Now known as Murat Frederic, Matheson’s new identity symbolizes the broader implications of Turkey’s expanding influence and allure on a global stage. Turkey’s historical diaspora extends far, with nearly 20 million descendants of Anatolian natives dispersed across Latin America and the Caribbean. These descendants, often referred to as ‘El Turco’ or ‘Los Turcos,’ maintain a diverse cultural identity, embodying heritage from Christian Arabs, Armenians, Greeks, and Muslims.
Sahin, who also heads the Turkish Delegation to the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament, has witnessed a strong desire among these diaspora communities to reconnect with their Anatolian origins during his official travels. The Turkish government has responded by implementing several “soft power” initiatives aimed at rekindling these cultural and historical ties. Agencies such as TIKA, the Yunus Emre Institute, the Maarif Foundation, and the Diyanet Foundation play pivotal roles in these efforts, focusing on cultural exchanges, educational programs, and the restoration of Ottoman heritage sites.
Emphasizing the importance of these international relationships, Sahin revealed that Ankara University has established a dedicated department for Latin American and Caribbean studies. This academic endeavor not only reflects Turkey’s commitment to understanding these regions but also underscores the potential for renewed connections and mutual enrichment between Turkey and the descendants of its emigrants.
As these initiatives continue to evolve, Sahin anticipates a fruitful future where more individuals with roots in Anatolia will explore their heritage and consider reaffirming their bonds with the land.
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