Does Turkey Allow Dual Citizenship? (Spoiler: It’s Easier Than You Think)
- Ahmed hamdy Ahmed hamdy
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Are you considering Turkish citizenship but worried it might cost you your original nationality?
You’re not alone.
Thousands of investors, expats, and people with Turkish roots ask the same questions:
Does Turkey permit dual nationality?
Will I lose my U.S. or EU passport?
Can my children hold Turkish and foreign citizenship together?
✅ Yes, Turkey allows dual and even multiple citizenships.
According to Article 44 of the Turkish Citizenship Law, individuals who acquire Turkish nationality are not required to renounce their previous citizenship, as long as their home country also permits dual citizenship.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about:
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Dual citizenship rules and Turkish law
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Application paths for marriage, descent, investment, or naturalization
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Tax and military duties for Turkish dual nationals
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How to keep both passports legally
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Country-specific guidance for U.S., German, and Nigerian citizens
Does Turkey Allow Dual Citizenship? Here’s What the Law Says
Under Article 44 of the Turkish Citizenship Law, Turkey permits dual and multiple citizenship. You can legally get Turkish citizenship without giving up your original passport — as long as your country permits it.
| Legal Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Law Reference | Turkish Citizenship Law, Article 44 |
| Renunciation Required? | ❌ No |
| Multiple Citizenships? | ✅ Yes |
| Must Report New Citizenship? | ✅ Yes — to Turkish consulate or Nüfus office |
| Can You Lose Turkish Citizenship for Having Another? | ❌ No — unless acquired fraudulently |
Example: A U.S. or German citizen can hold a Turkish passport and use both legally.
Which Passport Should a Turkish Dual Citizen Use?
If you hold dual citizenship with Turkey and another country, you’re expected to use the appropriate passport when entering or exiting each country.
| Situation | Passport to Use |
|---|---|
| Entering Turkey | Turkish passport or Kimlik ID |
| Leaving Turkey | Turkish passport or Kimlik ID |
| Traveling to/from other countries | That country’s passport |
Dual Citizenship: Key Legal Facts
| Legal Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Law Reference | Turkish Citizenship Law, Article 44 |
| Renunciation Required? | ❌ No |
| Multiple Citizenships? | ✅ Yes |
| Must Report New Citizenship? | ✅ Yes — to Turkish consulate or Nüfus office |
| Can You Lose Turkish Citizenship for Having Another? | ❌ No — unless acquired fraudulently |
Example: A U.S. or German citizen can hold a Turkish passport and use both legally.
How to Apply for Turkish Citizenship: Clear Paths Based on Your Situation
1) Your Parents Are Turkish — Claim A Citizenship by Descent?
Yes. If at least one of your parents is a Turkish citizen at the time of your birth, you automatically acquire Turkish citizenship by descent, regardless of your birthplace.
This is based on the principle of bloodline (jus sanguinis) under Turkish Citizenship Law.
What You Need to Do:
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Register your birth with the nearest Turkish consulate
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Provide your parents’ Turkish ID and family registry (nüfus kayıt)
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Submit your birth certificate and passport
✅ Even if you already have another nationality, Turkey still recognizes your right to claim citizenship.
2) Married a Turkish Citizen? — Apply For Marriage Citizenship
Yes — you can apply for Turkish citizenship after 3 years of marriage, without giving up your original nationality.
Eligibility Requirements:
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3 years of valid marriage
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Proof of a shared family life (not just on paper)
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No risk to public or national security
Documents Usually Needed:
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Marriage certificate
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Turkish spouse’s national ID (Kimlik)
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Joint utility bills, rental contracts, etc.
💡 Citizenship is not granted automatically. You must apply through the Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs or a Turkish consulate.
3) Lived in Turkey for Years – Apply for Citizenship by Naturalization
If you’ve legally resided in Turkey for at least 5 consecutive years, you may apply for citizenship by naturalization.
Requirements:
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Valid residence permit for 5+ years
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Proof of financial independence
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Knowledge of the Turkish language and culture
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No criminal record
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Medical clearance
4) Want to Invest in Turkey and Get a Passport – Apply for Turkish Citizenship by Investment?
Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment Program offers one of the fastest routes — with no residency, language, or interview required.
| Investment Type | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Real Estate | $400,000 (held for 3 years) |
| Bank Deposit | $500,000 in a Turkish bank |
| Job Creation | Employ 50 Turkish citizens |
Key Benefits:
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Approval within 3–6 months
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Spouse and children included
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No need to renounce your original citizenship
Can You Apply Without Residency or Investment?
Yes — under Article 12 of the Turkish Citizenship Law, the government can grant citizenship to foreign nationals with exceptional achievements in:
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Science
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Sports
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Business
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Arts or diplomacy
This is a merit-based and presidentially approved route — no standard application process applies.
You’ll need a formal nomination and proof of your contributions to Turkish society.
| Path | Residency Needed? | Time to Apply | Citizenship Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Descent | ❌ No | Immediate | By birth |
| Marriage | ✅ Yes (3 years) | 3+ years | Naturalization |
| Long-term Residency | ✅ Yes (5 years) | 5+ years | Naturalization |
| Investment | ❌ No | 3–6 months | Citizenship by Investment |
| Merit-Based | ❌ No | Varies | Exceptional merit (presidential approval) |
Turkish Passport and Kimlik Card: What You Get
The Kimlik Kartı is your national identity card issued to all Turkish citizens. It’s used for:
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🇹🇷 Proving citizenship and identity inside Turkey
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Accessing public healthcare (SGK system)
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Opening bank accounts, buying property
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Voting in national and local elections
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Enrolling in schools or universities
Visa-Free Access to 118+ Countries
Including:
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🇯🇵 Japan
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🇰🇷 South Korea
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🇧🇷 Brazil
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🇮🇩 Indonesia
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🇷🇸 Most of the Balkans
Kimlik Card Benefits
Your Turkish ID card is essential for:
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Proving citizenship
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Healthcare access (SGK system)
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Opening bank accounts
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Voting in Turkish elections
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Enrolling in schools/universities
📌 In some countries, the Kimlik card works as a travel document without a passport.
Turkey is negotiating with the EU for visa liberalization.
In some cases, Turkish ID cards can even be used as travel documents for entry into certain countries with bilateral agreements.
Can You Vote in Turkey if You are a Dual Citizen?”
Yes, Turkish dual citizens are entitled to vote in national and local elections.
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You can vote from abroad through Turkish embassies and consulates.
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You are also eligible to vote if you return to Turkey during elections.
Note: While you can vote and access most citizen rights, dual nationals may be restricted from holding certain public or military offices, depending on your other nationality.
Is a Turkish Passport Good for Travel and Investment?
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Property Rights | Buy or inherit real estate without restriction |
| Healthcare Access | Full coverage via Turkey’s public system |
| Education | Subsidized or free access to public schools/universities |
| Tax Optimization | Leverage double-taxation agreements (over 80 countries) |
| Inheritance Rights | Easier estate transfer for Turkish assets |
| Cultural Belonging | Access to heritage, language, and long-term integration |
Which Countries Allow Turkish Dual Citizenship: U.S., Nigeria, and Germany
Wondering if your home country allows dual citizenship with Turkey?
Here’s a quick breakdown of how it works for citizens of the most common nationalities searching for answers:
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🇺🇸 U.S.: Dual citizenship is fully allowed — just use the correct passport and report your status to Turkish authorities.
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🇳🇬 Nigeria: Allowed only if you’re Nigerian by birth — registration with Turkish authorities is required.
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🇩🇪 Germany: Since June 2024, dual citizenship with Turkey is officially recognized — easy reinstatement now possible.
| Country | Dual Citizenship Allowed? | Tax Treaty with Turkey? | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Use both passports; limited U.S. support in Turkey |
| 🇳🇬 Nigeria | ✅ By Birth Only | ❌ No | Must register dual status; no tax treaty |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | ✅ Since 2024 | ✅ Yes | Reclaim Turkish citizenship with €16 fee, no test |
Common Myths About Turkish Dual Citizenship — And the Real Facts
Confused about whether you’ll lose your current nationality or need to choose just one passport? You’re not alone — dual citizenship laws can seem unclear, especially for first-time applicants. Here’s what you really need to know:
| ❌ Myth | ✅ Truth |
|---|---|
| You must give up your original citizenship | False. Turkey allows dual nationality — no renunciation required if your other country permits it. |
| Kids must choose one citizenship at age 18 | False. Children born with Turkish dual citizenship can keep both passports into adulthood. |
| Getting another passport will cancel your Turkish one | False. You must report your new citizenship, but it won’t revoke your Turkish nationality. |
Turkey is one of the most dual-citizenship-friendly countries in the world — legally recognizing multiple nationalities under Article 44 of its Citizenship Law.
What Are Your Responsibilities as a Turkish Dual Citizen?
Holding dual citizenship in Turkey comes with incredible benefits — but also a few legal responsibilities. Here’s what you need to know about military service, taxes, and legal obligations.
Do Turkish Dual Citizens Have to Do Military Service?
Yes, Turkish male citizens under the age of 45 are legally required to complete military service, even if they hold dual citizenship.
Here are your options:
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Serve in Turkey (shortened service possible if you’ve already served elsewhere)
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Apply for exemption (bedelli askerlik) — current one-time fee is ~€6,000
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Postpone service if you live abroad long-term
If you’ve already completed military service in your other country, Turkey may count that — but you’ll need official documentation.
Tax Obligations for Turkish Dual Citizens
Turkey taxes individuals based on residency:
| Status | What You’re Taxed On |
|---|---|
| Resident (6+ months in Turkey) | Global income |
| Non-resident | Only Turkish-sourced income |
Good news: Turkey has double taxation agreements with over 80 countries, including:
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🇺🇸 United States
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🇩🇪 Germany
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🇨🇦 Canada
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🇬🇧 United Kingdom
This helps avoid paying tax twice on the same income.
Legal Compliance While in Turkey
As a Turkish citizen, you are subject to Turkish law — even if you also hold another nationality.
Key rules:
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You may face exit bans during legal investigations.
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You’re required to report your other nationality to Turkish authorities.
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You may be limited from holding certain military or intelligence roles if you’re a dual citizen.
Summary: What You Need to Remember
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✔️ Pay taxes only if you live or earn in Turkey.
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✔️ Military service can be postponed or exempted.
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✔️ Always keep both governments updated on your status.
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✔️ Legal compliance is expected when inside Turkey.
How to Keep Your Turkish Dual Citizenship Legal — Reporting, Renunciation & Blue Card
Whether you’re acquiring, keeping, or renouncing Turkish citizenship, here’s everything you need to know to stay compliant with Turkish law.
Do You Need to Report Your Other Nationality to Turkey?
Yes, Under Article 44 of the Turkish Citizenship Law, you must report any new citizenship you acquire after becoming a Turkish citizen.
How to Report:
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Visit a Turkish consulate abroad or your local Nüfus (civil registry) office in Turkey
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Provide:
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Your foreign passport or naturalization certificate
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A passport-size photo
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⚠️ Failing to report dual citizenship may cause problems with:
Inheritance claims
Military exemptions
Property purchases
Legal documents
Can You Lose Turkish Citizenship?
Not automatically — but yes, in specific cases:
| Scenario | Can You Lose Turkish Citizenship? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Acquiring another citizenship | ❌ No | You must report it, but Turkish citizenship remains valid |
| Committing fraud during the application | ✅ Yes | Citizenship may be revoked |
| Voluntary renunciation | ✅ Yes | Must apply and prove you hold or will acquire another nationality |
What Is the Blue Card (Mavi Kart)?
If you gave up your Turkish citizenship to become German or Austrian, can you still have rights in Turkey?
Yes — the Blue Card restores many rights for former Turkish citizens.
Blue Card Benefits:
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Visa-free entry into Turkey
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Buy and inherit real estate
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Access to healthcare and education
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Work and live in Turkey without needing a residence permit
Limitations:
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No voting rights
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Cannot hold public office or certain government jobs
Who It’s For:
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Turks who had to renounce citizenship to obtain another (e.g., before Germany’s 2024 dual nationality law)
| Action | Required? | Where to Do It | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Report new citizenship | ✅ Yes | Turkish embassy or Nüfus office | Required under Article 44 |
| Renounce Turkish citizenship | ✅ Optional | Turkish consulate or Population Directorate | Only if needed for other nationality |
| Apply for Blue Card | ✅ If applicable | Turkish consulate | For ex-citizens only |
Entry to Türkiye with National ID or Expired Passports: Who Qualifies?
If you hold dual citizenship or plan to travel frequently between Turkey and Europe, knowing the entry requirements is essential — especially if you prefer to travel light or your passport has expired.
Turkey allows citizens from specific countries to enter using just their national identity cards — no passport required. Others can still enter even with recently expired passports, thanks to bilateral agreements.
Countries Allowed to Enter Türkiye with National ID Cards
| # | Country |
|---|---|
| 1 | Germany |
| 2 | Belgium |
| 3 | France |
| 4 | Georgia |
| 5 | The Netherlands |
| 6 | Spain |
| 7 | Switzerland |
| 8 | Italy |
| 9 | Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus |
| 10 | Liechtenstein |
| 11 | Luxembourg |
| 12 | Malta |
| 13 | Portugal |
| 14 | Ukraine |
| 15 | Greece |
| 16 | Poland |
| 17 | Bulgaria |
| 18 | Hungary |
| 19 | Moldova |
| 20 | Azerbaijan |
| 21 | Romania |
Countries Allowed to Enter Türkiye with Expired Passports
| # | Country | Passport Expired Within | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Germany | 1 year | ID cards also accepted if expired |
| 2 | Belgium | 5 years | |
| 3 | France | 5 years | |
| 4 | Spain | 5 years | |
| 5 | Switzerland | 5 years | |
| 6 | Luxembourg | 5 years | |
| 7 | Portugal | 5 years | |
| 8 | Bulgaria | Only valid passports | Expired passports not accepted |
Summary: Dual Citizenship for Turkish Citizens
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Dual & multiple citizenships now allowed (since June 2024)
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Standard naturalization after 5 years of legal residence
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Fast-track naturalization in 3 years with strong integration
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Guest workers benefit from simplified requirements
Turkish Dual Citizenship – Frequently Asked Questions
Can Turks Have Dual Citizenship?
Yes. Turkey officially permits dual and even multiple citizenships. You can acquire Turkish nationality without giving up your existing one, as long as your home country also allows it.
Can Foreigners Get Citizenship in Turkey?
Yes. Foreigners can get Turkish citizenship through:
- Birth or descent
- Marriage to a Turkish citizen
- Naturalization (after 5 years of legal residence)
- Investment (real estate, capital deposit, or job creation)
No nationality is officially restricted, and there are no language or residency requirements for investment-based applicants.
Is Turkish Citizenship Worth It?
Yes, for many individuals and families, Turkish citizenship offers:
- Visa-free access to 118+ countries
- Full access to Turkey’s education, healthcare, and property markets
- A strong second passport without requiring renunciation
- The ability to include family members under one application (spouse and dependents)
What Are the Disadvantages of Turkish Citizenship?
While benefits are significant, some obligations and limitations include:
- Military service for men under 45
- Tax liability on Turkish-sourced income
- Ineligibility for some military or government roles if holding dual citizenship
- Requirement to comply with Turkish laws even if residing abroad
What Happens If I Marry a Turkish Citizen?
Foreigners married to a Turkish citizen for at least three years may apply for citizenship. The marriage must be genuine and ongoing. There’s no automatic citizenship by marriage — an application is required and security/background checks are conducted.
What’s the Difference Between Turkish Residency and Citizenship?
Residency allows you to live in Turkey for a set period with limitations on voting and property rights.
Citizenship provides:
- Lifetime rights to live, work, and vote in Turkey
- Full access to healthcare, education, and public benefits
- The ability to pass citizenship to children
Can You Have 3 Citizenships in Turkey?
Yes. Turkish law does not limit the number of nationalities a person may hold. You can hold Turkish citizenship in addition to two or more other nationalities, provided those countries allow it.
How Long Can You Stay in Turkey Without Citizenship?
Foreigners can typically stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period on a tourist visa. Those intending to stay longer must apply for:
- A residence permit (up to 2 years)
- Citizenship through the legal pathways if long-term residence or permanent stay is desired
Can Dual Citizens Vote in Turkey?
Yes. Turkish dual citizens can vote in all local and national elections. Voting is done either in Turkey or at Turkish embassies and consulates abroad.
What Are the Rights of a Turkish Citizen?
Rights include:
- Voting and holding public office (with some exceptions for dual citizens)
- Free access to public healthcare and education
- Property ownership without restriction
- The ability to pass Turkish nationality to children
Read More About Dual Citizenship:
- Countries That Allow Dual Citizenship?
- List of Countries That Do Not Allow Dual Citizenship?
- Does Portugal Allow Dual Citizenship?
- Does the US Allow Dual Citizenship?
- Does Greece allow Dual Citizenship?
- Can u have Dual Citizenship in Thailand?
- Advantages of Dual Citizenship
- Easiest Countries to Get Dual Citizenship
- How to get Turkish Citizenship?
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