Yunus Emre Institute has included the “ABC of Turkish Culture” among its notable endeavors. The project falls within the Institute’s broader initiatives dedicated to showcasing Türkiye’s diverse cultural heritage globally, spanning literature, cinema, traditional handicrafts, and gastronomy.

The “ABC of Turkish Culture” stands as a comprehensive resource, meticulously presenting the deep-rooted Turkish culture, echoing the imprints of numerous civilizations. This initiative aligns with the Institute’s commitment to bolstering the Türkiye brand on the global stage.

The work delves into Türkiye’s unique cultural values under 12 distinct titles, namely “Turkish Art and Architecture,” “Historical Development of Turkish Art,” “Architecture Developed in the Dominion of Turkish Culture,” “History and Characteristics of Turkish Music,” “Heritage of Turkish Culinary Culture,” “Dressing Culture in Turks,” “Important Periods and Works of Turkish Literature,” “The Place of Humor in Turkish Cultural Life,” “Special Day Celebrations and Traditions of the Turkish World,” “Gift-Giving in Turkish Culture,” “Turkish Cinema,” and “Turkish Handicrafts.”

The presentation to the work is penned by Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, while the foreword is authored by Prof. Şeref Ateş, President of Yunus Emre Institute. Additionally, the introduction is provided by Görgün Taner, General Director of İKSV (İstanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts). 

In his foreword, Prof. Şeref Ateş, President of the Institute, conveyed the following sentiments: 

“The ancient Turkish culture, having exerted influence over numerous regions it dominated for centuries, has concurrently absorbed influences from the cultures it interacted with, perpetually evolving and developing over time. Simultaneously deeply rooted and remarkably relevant today, this ancient culture is characterized by enduring core values and principles. Presently, the culture thriving in Türkiye continues to influence the societies it engages with, capturing the interest and appreciation of many foreigners.

Yunus Emre Institute, as Türkiye’s cultural institution, takes on a significant role in preserving and sharing the cultural legacy of Anatolian civilizations with the world. The Institution plays a crucial role in amplifying the ancient Turkish voice globally and promoting the rich historical and cultural heritage of Türkiye. As an institution dedicated to teaching the Turkish language and disseminating Turkish culture globally, we are delighted to observe a rapid increase in interest. Enthusiasts from around the world are eager to learn the fundamental aspects of Turkish culture, bringing us great joy. In response to this growing interest, Yunus Emre Institute has undertaken the endeavor to create this compilation book. Our aim is to present the key features of ancient Turkish culture under engaging headings, ensuring simplicity for foreigners to comprehend and appreciate.

Covering a spectrum from Turkish architecture to literature, humor, gift-giving culture, music, clothing, gastronomy, and cinema, we bring forth the work of esteemed authors under captivating headings. This compilation offers readers insights into a diverse range of topics within the rich tapestry of Turkish culture. In this work titled ‘ABC of Turkish Culture,’ readers will embark on a journey to explore the vast and captivating world of Turkish culture. Through various headings, the opportunity arises to gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies that constitute Turkish cultural richness.”

This work features contributions from esteemed authors, including Prof. Abdullah Uçman, Prof. Arif Bilgin, Prof. Emine Koca, Prof. Fatma Koç, Prof. Metin Ekici, Prof. Mukaddes Gözde Ramazanoğlu, Prof. Nebi Özdemir, Prof. Nilgün Doğrusöz Dişiaçık, Prof. Ziya Kenan Bilici, Assoc. Prof. Evrim Ölçer Özünel, Assoc. Prof. Mehibe Şahbaz, Assoc. Prof. Mustafa Aslan, Assoc. Prof. Nuri Seçgin, Assoc. Prof. Özge Samancı, Hikmet Barutçugil, Selçuk Küpçük, and Yusuf Duru, who have contributed valuable articles on various facets of Turkish culture.                           

The inclusion of QR codes in the “History and Characteristics of Turkish Music” section provides readers with the unique opportunity to listen to the melodic tones of Turkish musical instruments.

The esteemed publication “ABC of Turkish Culture” will be translated into English, French, Russian, and Arabic, ensuring it reaches readers from diverse corners of the world.

“ABC of Turkish Culture” is poised to become a valuable reference for researchers, academics, and individuals with a keen interest in delving into Turkish culture.