In August 2021, Somalia marked a decade of “special relations” with Turkey, a partnership forged during the devastating 2011 famine when then Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Mogadishu. Turkey’s swift humanitarian aid and high-profile infrastructure projects from modernizing the airport and port to building roads and schools earned it significant goodwill and soft power in Somalia. Turkish initiatives now span education, trade, military training, and cultural exchange, with thousands of Somali students studying in Turkey and Turkish language taught nationwide. Yet, beyond the romanticized narrative lies a calculated geopolitical strategy. Somalia’s strategic location along the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, coupled with its untapped resources, makes it a valuable partner for Ankara’s broader Africa policy. Turkish companies, airlines, and defense industries have capitalized on opportunities in Somalia, positioning themselves for long-term influence. While Turkey’s approach is less overtly political than some Gulf rivals, critics highlight risks: its support for centralized leadership, tolerance for “Big Man” politics, and potential to entrench authoritarianism. As Turkey deepens its presence, the challenge for Somalia will be balancing the benefits of foreign investment and security cooperation with the need to safeguard democracy, human rights, and political inclusivity.