"Turkish in World Languages" Dictionary Introduced: Global Impact of Turkish Documented

Documenting the Cultural Memory of Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy attended the introductory meeting of the "Turkish in World Languages" project, prepared by the Yunus Emre Institute as part of UNESCO International Mother Language Day.
Minister Ersoy emphasized that this work is not merely a reference book but a scientific inventory reflecting the global cultural memory of Turkish by tracing the origins of words.
Stating that language is the most fundamental element sustaining civilizations, Ersoy expressed that words often leave more permanent marks than conquests.
The Influence of Turkish from the Balkans to Europe Ersoy pointed out the lasting impact of the language across borders, noting that Turkish has been present in a wide geography ranging from trade routes to scientific assemblies.
Highlighting the strong Turkish influence in Balkan languages, the Minister noted that words such as "fincani" in Kosovo, "çarşı" in Sarajevo, "dukan" in Skopje, "bakali" in Athens, "ciorbă" in Bucharest, and "yoğurt" in Sofia have become natural parts of daily life.
According to research data, more than two thousand Turkish-origin words continue to be actively used in some languages.
Cultural Diplomacy and Soft Power Abdurrahman Aliy, President of the Yunus Emre Institute, stated that the project would make the memory of Turkish visible on a global scale and build a bridge between the past and the future.
Minister Ersoy reminded that cultural diplomacy is one of the most important soft power elements for countries, stating that shared concepts create a strong bond in international relations.
The "Turkish in World Languages" dictionary positions Turkish not just as a language teaching tool, but as a platform for contact between civilizations.