Turks of South Carolina
The Turks of South Carolina (Turkish: Güney Karolina Türkleri) also known as Turks of Sumter County or Sumter Turks (Turkish: Sumter Türkleri) are a mixed-ancestry group of people of Middle Eastern or North African descent who have lived in northern Sumter County, South Carolina since the late 18th century and identify as Turkish Americans. In local usage, the term “Turk” has historically been employed in a pejorative manner and is considered derogatory by many within the community, who today prefer to be referred to as “Turkish” or “the Turkish people.” As of 2018, they numbered no more than 400 in the town of Dalzell, with a slight majority carrying the surname Benenhaley.