Career Opportunities in Turkish Language and Studies
Why Study Turkish? Turkish is spoken by over 80 million people as their first language, placing it among the world’s 15 most widely spoken languages. It is also spoken by communities across the Balkans, the Caucasus, and large Turkish immigrant communities in Western Europe, especially in Germany. An additional 15 million people speak it as a second language.
Strategic Importance of Turkish-Speaking Regions Turkish-speaking countries are strategically connected to Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East. This makes Turkish an asset for careers in international business or politics within these regions. As Turkish-speaking countries grow economically and politically, knowledge of Turkish provides a competitive edge in industries and government agencies that engage with these areas.
Business and Political Relevance Business opportunities in Turkish-speaking countries are expanding, especially as these nations develop stronger ties with Europe and consider potential EU membership. These countries have secular democratic systems with strong human rights protections, making them attractive for international collaboration. Proficiency in Turkish, therefore, enhances job prospects in corporations, government bodies, and NGOs focused on fostering relationships in Europe and the Middle East.
Language Family Connections Turkish is part of a language family that includes 30 Turkic languages across Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Siberia. This linguistic similarity provides access to a wider geopolitical landscape, offering students interesting career opportunities and scholarships.
Career Paths Turkish language skills open doors to a variety of career paths:
- Directly Related Careers: Interpreter, Translator, Secondary School Teacher
- Beneficial Careers: Broadcast Journalist, Diplomatic Service Officer, International Aid Worker, Marketing Executive, Tour Manager, Patent Examiner, Detective, Private Tutor
Studying Turkish in the UK For students interested in Turkish Studies, several UK universities offer programs focusing on Turkish language, history, and culture. These include courses on Modern Turkish, Ottoman studies, and the Islamic world. Below is a list of UK universities with Turkish language programs:
| City | University | Department | Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | University of Birmingham | Institute of Archaeology and Antiquity | Byzantine, Ottoman, and Modern Greek Studies |
| Cambridge | University of Cambridge | Faculty of Middle Eastern and Asian Studies | Ottoman & Turkish History |
| Durham | University of Durham | Faculty of Foreign Languages | Islamic Studies |
| Edinburgh | University of Edinburgh | Institute for Middle Eastern & Islamic Studies | Turkish Studies |
| Exeter/Devon | University of Exeter | Turkish and Ottoman Language classes | Turkish Courses |
| London | University of London (SOAS) | Near and Middle Eastern Studies | Turkish Studies |
| Manchester | University of Manchester | School of Languages, Linguistics and Cultures | Middle Eastern Studies |
| Oxford | University of Oxford | Near and Middle Eastern Studies | Turkish Studies |
| Wales | University of Wales | Dept. of Theology, Religious & Islamic Studies | Islamic Studies |
Studying Turkish can lead to an enriching career with global reach, particularly in industries that value cultural and linguistic knowledge of Turkey, Cyprus, and other Turkic regions.
