Young people living in Venezuela are becoming increasingly interested in Turkish, thanks to Turkish TV series and the development of Türkiye-Venezuela relations.

This year, 180 people registered for online Turkish courses opened at Yunus Emre Institute's (YEE) cultural center, which started operating last year in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela.

Yohari Olivares, 32, who works in an advertising firm, said that he speaks Portuguese, chose Turkish as a second language and started learning Turkish at YEI.

They Loved Turkish Culture and TV Series

Stating that he has never been to Türkiye, "I have never visited Türkiye, but I love Turkish TV series. I watch the TV series Sen Çal Kapımı. I also love Tarkan very much. I have always been interested in Turkish, it is a difficult language, but I like learning it." Olivares said.

Argelia Velasquez also stated that she started learning Turkish because she worked in Independent Industrialists and Businessmen's Association’s (MÜSİAD) Venezuela office and was impressed by watching TV series.

Stating that he has Turkish friends but did not come to Türkiye, "I saw Turkish TV series while my aunt was watching them, and I enjoyed them very much. When I saw the course of Yunus Emre Institute, I wanted to start. I need to learn Turkish, it will be useful for me." Velasquez said.

Carlos Capiello, who came to Türkiye to study theology and could not continue after staying for a year, also said that he did not want to forget the Turkish he learned.

Stating that he loved Türkiye very much, but returned to Venezuela because he saw that there was a greater need for him in his country due to the increasing relations between the two countries, "I always enjoy Turkish. Turkish culture and Turkish TV series attract my attention. I watched Diriliş Ertuğrul, it was very enjoyable." Capiello said,

Capiello stated that he had many Turkish friends and that the Turks were hospitable during his time and said, "I did not become a Muslim, but I brought martyrdom. I continue to work not to forget Turkish. I also thank YEI." he said.