An Evaluation of Early Turkish Transcription Texts from the Perspective of Language Teaching

Abstract

Ottoman Turkish was not merely the administrative tongue of a vast empire spanning Anatolia, the Balkans, the Middle East, North Africa, the Caucasus, and Crimea; between the 16th and 18th centuries, it also functioned as a strategic lingua franca and a vital medium of communication within European diplomacy. Serving as a diplomatic language in official correspondences, capitulations (ahidnâmes), and ambassadorial receptions with the great powers of the era—such as France, Venice, and Austria—Ottoman Turkish emerged as a linguistic manifestation of the Ottoman State’s decisive role in global geopolitics. In particular, the Sieges of Vienna in 1529 and 1683 marked a profound turning point for the Turkish language in Europe. While these sieges propagated a sense of “Turkish fear” (Turcica) in the West, they simultaneously catalyzed the “Turquerie” (Turkish fashion) movement, fueled by a deep fascination with the Turks and their culture.

During this historical trajectory, the European quest to understand the Turks through primary sources, manage commercial interests, and expand missionary activities led to a significant proliferation of  “Turkish Language Learning Manuals” published by European printing houses. These works go far beyond being mere didactic texts teaching grammar rules or syntax structures; the prayers, hymns, proverbs, idioms, and tales they contain have become tools for cultural transmission and promotion. In this context, this paper aims to analyze these historical materials, prepared by foreign authors, not solely within the framework of grammar, but in depth at the intersection of language teaching with the disciplines of cultural transmission and intercultural communication.