IZMIR, Turkey 

A businessman with Sudanese roots is running for mayor in Turkey.

Mesut Mercan, 47, will become the first black mayor of the country if he wins the March 31 local elections.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, he said his ancestors from Sudan's Dinka tribe came to Turkey 400 years ago.

He currently lives with his large family in Izmir.

A candidate for Selcuk district of the Agean province of Izmir, Mercan said he would like to strengthen ties between African and Turkish people.

"Africa comprises 56 nations and 2 billion people. I would like to make the most of this opportunity for Selcuk,” said Mercan, who is representing the Democrat Party.

He emphasized that his ancestors have left their mark in Izmir and he wants to join their legacy.

Mercan is dubbed in the local media as Selcuk's Obama -- referring to the United States' 44th President Barack Obama.

Writing by Erdogan Cagatay Zontur