A UNIQUE ISLAND COUNTRY: CUBA

Cuba is a unique island country that takes you on a journey through time with its colorful culture, historical texture, and warm-hearted people, filled with the energy of life

With its colorful streets, rhythmic melodies, and lifestyle that blends the past with the present, Cuba is one of the most unique places not only in the Caribbean but in the whole world. This interview with Oğuz Satıcı, Chairperson of the DEİK/Türkiye- Cuba Business Council, which has been strengthening economic ties between Türkiye and this vibrant country for years, helps us understand Cuba not only as an investment destination but also as a way of life.

CUBA IS ONE OF THE MOST CULTURALLY AND HISTORICALLY INTERESTING COUNTRIES IN THE CARIBBEAN. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE DAILY LIFE, HUMAN RELATIONS, AND TRADITIONAL STRUCTURES IN CUBA?

Cuba is not just a country in the Caribbean, but also a living, breathing cultural treasure trove. Its economic structure is based on agriculture and fruit growing, which have been shaped by Europeans throughout history, and enriched by labor brought from Africa. Over time, these two main strands have merged and formed a unique synthesis. Subsequently, the political rapprochement with the Soviet Union added a new layer to Cuba’s human mosaic.

The Cuban identity that has emerged today is characterized by its multiculturalism, visionary spirit, intelligence, and above all, its emphasis on being a “good person.” Human relationships are extremely warm, affectionate, and reassuring. Daily life is based on solidarity and human values in this atmosphere. Doors are open, hearts are open… Traditional lifestyles are still strong; habits such as cooking at home and sitting on chairs in the streets in the evenings to chat are still a natural part of daily life.

WHEN YOU THINK OF CUBA, COLORFUL STREETS, CLASSIC CARS, MUSIC, AND DANCING COME TO MIND. DO YOU HAVE ANY UNFORGETTABLE CULTURAL OR NATURAL EXPERIENCES OR PLACES YOU VISITED IN CUBA?

As you walk through the streets of Havana, the rhythms that catch your ear, the pastel-colored buildings that catch your eye, and the classic cars that bear the traces of the past take you on a journey through time. However, the most unforgettable moment for me was a music night I attended in Santiago de Cuba. In Cuba, music is not a show, but a natural way of life for the people. Dance is not an activity here, but rather a way of life.

One day, as the sun was setting, I saw an old man playing the guitar on the street. Gradually, children and women gathered around him, and they all began to dance together. Everything was so spontaneous, so heartfelt… This unplanned beauty touches the heart. Cuba is not only enchanting for its music but also for its nature. The first coffee plantations, UNESCO World Heritage sites like Trinidad and the Viñales Valley, whisper to you how nature and culture intertwine.

WOULD YOU SHARE WITH US A MOMENT IN CUBA THAT MADE YOU SMILE OR THINK?

When anyone you meet on the street in Cuba asks you, “Where are you from?”, the warmth shown in response to the answer “I’m Turkish” is surprisingly sincere. Once, an elderly Cuban mentioned Atatürk. Their respect for Türkiye’s struggle for independence deeply affected me. This level of awareness stems not only from the education system but also from the people’s deep knowledge of history and cultural awareness.

One day, while traveling in a classic Chevy, the taxi driver was singing along to Celia Cruz playing on the radio and dancing at the wheel. Then he turned to me and said, “Life is short, sing along!” At that moment, I didn’t just smile, I joined in. This sincerity and vitality that lightens life’s hardships were truly inspiring. It was also thought-provoking; on one hand, there was material deprivation, on the other, an indescribable spiritual richness.

HOW WOULD YOU ASSESS THE CUBAN PEOPLE’S VIEW OF TÜRKIYE AND THE TURKISH PEOPLE? DO YOU THINK THERE ARE SIMILARITIES BETWEEN THE PEOPLE OF THE TWO COUNTRIES?

The Cuban people see the Turkish people as warm, sincere, and friendly. Türkiye, on the other hand, is seen as a strong, sincere, and close country. Just as in many parts of Latin America, Turkish TV series are very popular in Cuba, which has further strengthened the bond between the two peoples. Concepts such as Turkish coffee, the historical texture of Istanbul, and the Bosphorus view arouse great curiosity among Cubans.

Our understanding of hospitality is also quite similar. Both Turks and Cubans place great value on music, dance, friendship, and sharing. These commonalities facilitate the rapid and natural development of relationships. For this reason, a businessperson or tourist from Türkiye will never feel like a stranger in Cuba.

Cuba embodies both deep-rooted traditions and a process of social change. What differences did you observe between large cities such as Havana and rural areas? What aspects did you find interesting? When you set foot in Cuba, you may feel as if you have stepped back in time. Havana stands as a bridge between modernization and history.

While larger cities are characterized by greater openness, cultural interaction, and tourism, time seems to move more slowly in rural areas. Here, people live a simpler, more traditional life, closer to nature. What’s fascinating is that in the city, tech-savvy young people are building the future alongside rural elders who preserve ancestral seeds. Two distinct worlds coexist, not excluding each other but complementing one another.

FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF TURKISH BUSINESS, WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND CUBA NOT ONLY IN TERMS OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES, BUT ALSO IN TERMS OF ITS SOCIAL AND CULTURAL STRUCTURE? HOW DO YOU THINK THIS CONTRIBUTES TO BUSINESS RELATIONS?

Doing business in Cuba is not limited to numbers and agreements. It is difficult to develop sustainable relationships without establishing cultural ties and understanding social dynamics. Every step taken without considering the local context may not yield results in the long run. Because here, people first want to feel trust; trade comes afterward.

Therefore, it is of great importance for the Turkish business community to have a good understanding of Cuba’s history, culture, living conditions, and value system. Understanding its music, rituals, and perception of time is as valuable as establishing a partnership there. This approach enables not only trade but also lasting friendships and business partnerships based on mutual respect. Because here, culture is the invisible but most powerful asset of the business world.

WHAT IS YOUR PREDICTION FOR CUBA’S FUTURE? HOW DO YOU THINK ITS CULTURAL HERITAGE WILL CHANGE OVER TIME?

In my opinion, Cuba’s future will be much brighter than its past. Its social and cultural structure is at the forefront of the values most needed by the new world. This rich cultural heritage, accumulated over centuries, will be valued much more in the coming period.

From where I stand, there will come a time when every person in the world will visit Cuba at least once in their lifetime. They will see its enchanting buildings up close, witness the centuries-old traditions of dance, music, and the culture of cigars and rum, and experience them firsthand.