Turkey, with a population of seventy million and vast economic
resources is one of the fastest growing countries in the world. Turkey
has close ties with the Balkan countries and Turkic states of
Central Asia, and attracts tourists
from all over the world, including Australians visiting Gallipoli
and those drawn by the archaeological wealth of all Anatolian
civilizations. Turks have migrated to many parts of the world, including Greece, Bulgaria,
Romania, USA, Australia
and most countries in Western Europe.
Studies in Turkish language, culture and history are therefore
in great demand in universities worldwide.
Turkish
Language courses
The
official language of Turkey is Turkish,
a branch of the Uralo-Altay linguistic
family. Modern Turkish language is a key both to Ottoman Turkish,
the official language of the Ottomans until the beginning of the
twentieth century, and the language vital for studying the history
and culture of the Middle East and the Balkans; and to Turkic dialects
such as Azeri, Turcoman, Nogay, Kirgiz
and Kazak, which are of equal importance in understanding the history
and culture of Central Asia.
The
earliest known alphabet developed by the Turks is the Gokturk
alphabet, in which the well known Orhon
inscriptions from the eighth century AD were written. However, Turks
have also used Suryani, Armenian, Georgian and ancient Greek alphabets in
their writings to produce works of outstanding literature. The Ottomans
used the Arabic alphabet to produce millions of books and official
documents which are preserved in the libraries and archives of both
Turkey and Europe.
Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of
modern Turkey,
replaced the Arabic alphabet with the Latin alphabet in 1928. Since
then, Turkish writers and scholars have been making outstanding
contributions to the worlds of science and literature.
Objectives
The
Turkish language program aims to provide students with the skills
necessary to read, write and speak modern
Turkish and to familiarise them with modern
Turkish culture. In the classes, particularly those for Elementary
Turkish, the emphasis is on drills, exercises and situational practice.
All
lessons include exercises, reading passages and listening to tapes.
The lecturer may provide additional reading when necessary. Students
are encouraged to read articles and books on Turkish language and
culture.
TurkishHistory and Culture courses
According
to Chinese sources, the history of the Turks dates back to the seventh
century BC. The first known TurkishState was founded by the Huns in the third
century BC. The Gokturk (552-740) and
Uigur (741-840) were the two other important states founded
by the Turks prior to their conversion to Islam in the ninth century,
during the reign of Bugra Han of Karahanid
state (founded in 840). The Gaznavid (936-1187)
and Seljuk states played a significant role in shaping the History
of Islam and made great contributions to Islamic Art, leaving many
monuments in an area stretching from the Aegean Sea well into Central
Asia.
It
was after the advent of Ottomans in the fourteenth century that
a new era began in Turkish history, for the Ottomans were able to
incorporate three cultures: Turkish, Islamic and Byzantine. The
Ottoman Eastern policy during the reign of Selim
the Grim and Suleyman the Legislator can
be better appreciatedin the light
of present day conflict in the Middle East.
The Ottoman territories once covered areas from Crimea to Sudan and from the Caspian Sea to Vienna. After the first World War, the Turks united and fought the War of Independence
and founded the modern Turkish state on the soils of Anatolia and
Thrace. The Ottomans
and the modern Turkish state are the main concern in the courses
on Turkish History and Culture.
The
Turkish major requires a minimum of 42 units (normally seven courses)
consisting of 12 units at first year level (2 courses) plus 30 units
at later year level (5 courses).
Turkish
courses can be undertaken as single courses, or as
an Arts major within the Bachelor of Arts degree or combined
BA degree options. Turkish courses can also be included in the Centre’s
post-graduate coursework, and as an adjunct to research for MA,
MPhil and PhD.
