Yozgat Tops Turkey’s Out-Migration List

New data from the Turkish Statistical Institute confirms a dramatic demographic shift in Yozgat. As of 2024, the province has become the number one out-migration region in Turkey, losing 39.5 percent of its population. Yozgat’s total population now stands at 413,161, reflecting a long-running pattern of residents relocating to other provinces or abroad.

The figures highlight a broader structural challenge affecting both rural provinces and mid-sized Anatolian cities. Economic limitations, uneven development, and expanding mobility networks continue to transform Turkey’s internal migration map.

A Migration Story Rooted in History

Associate Professor Mümtaz Levent Akkol from Bozok University’s Department of Sociology explains that Yozgat’s migration issue is not new. He notes that decades of movement have created a self sustaining cycle where early migrants pave the way for later ones.

Akkol explains that historical labor migration to Europe and long-term patterns of internal movement have shaped the province’s current demographic structure. He also emphasizes that family networks and community links abroad or in larger Turkish cities amplify this ongoing trend.

He states:
“Migration waves that began during specific historical periods gained continuity and persisted. Yozgat ranks first among Turkey’s out-migration cities. This is not surprising. The province’s geography, migrant networks, and the support systems of early migrants all encourage further migration.”

These networks facilitate employment information, housing support, and social connections. As a result, once migration begins, it tends to perpetuate itself from one generation to the next.

Limited Work, Education, and Health Services Drive the Move

Employment remains one of the central reasons residents leave Yozgat. In previous decades, job opportunities were limited compared to those in major regional centers. Akkol highlights that migration is often shaped not only by economic pressures but also by satisfaction levels with education, health services, and everyday living standards.

The sociologist underscores that attractive factors in nearby provinces also play a significant role. Cities such as Kayseri, Ankara, and Samsun offer stronger labor markets, more comprehensive educational opportunities, and better quality healthcare services. These advantages collectively act as magnets for Yozgat’s young and working-age population.

Akkol adds:
“Cities like Kayseri, Ankara, and Samsun can become centers of attraction for residents of Yozgat. To reverse migration, both push and pull factors must be restructured. Improving educational opportunities and increasing service capacity in universities and state hospitals can help stop out-migration and make the province appealing again. In addition, expanding industrial and business investments plays a critical role in reducing migration.”

His assessment underscores the importance of long-term planning over short-term incentives. Sustainable development, competitive employment sectors, and strong public services can reshape migration trends.

A Problem Shaped by Past Trends and Future Choices

Yozgat’s demographic challenge is more than a statistical issue. It reflects how past experiences and current conditions interact. Older migration networks lay the groundwork for new ones. Meanwhile, the imbalance between local opportunities and those offered in larger cities or abroad keeps the trend alive.

At the same time, the province’s future is not fixed. Strategic investments in industry, technology, education, and healthcare could alter its trajectory. Strengthening public infrastructure and ensuring equal access to services would help create a more balanced environment that encourages residents to stay rather than seek better prospects elsewhere.

The situation also underscores a broader pattern across Turkey. Smaller and mid-sized cities often face greater pressure to retain their populations. When job opportunities concentrate in major metropolitan areas, regions like Yozgat become more vulnerable to long-term population loss.

Ultimately, addressing Yozgat’s out-migration challenge requires a combination of economic planning, social policy, and community-based strategies that acknowledge both historical dynamics and modern realities. If these steps are taken, the province could shift from being a region of departure to one capable of sustaining and attracting its population.