Teaching Turkish in the Balkans: The case of North Macedonia

The Balkan Peninsula is a turbulent geography that has become the intersection of many cultures. The aim of this research is to examine the Turkish language teaching carried out in the Republic of North Macedonia, where there is an intense Turkish presence. Qualitative research method was used in the study. Within the scope of the study, Turkish teachers working in the region were reached and questions were asked about Turkish teaching activities. Qualitative research was used in the study. The answers received were analyzed using the descriptive analysis technique. Inferences were made about the Turkish teaching activities carried out in North Macedonia, and the answers of the participants were tabulated and analyzed in the findings and comment section. In the conclusion, discussion and suggestions section, the problems were identified in the light of the data and solution suggestions were presented. As a result of the analysis of the data, there are not enough scientific studies for the region, there are important deficiencies in the material, there is a lack of Turkish education although it varies between regions, including the teachers, the necessary attention is not shown to Turkish education, including the Turkish nobles in the region, and the Turkish teaching activities in the region are not enough. It has been concluded whether it is known or not. Considering the Turkish presence in the region, the lack of up-to-date studies makes the study more meaningful. It is thought that, through this study, a step can be taken to increase the interest in Turkish teaching activities in the region and to find solutions by drawing attention to the problems experienced.