Cultural diplomacy in Turkish foreign policy background: Theory, tool and application

Diplomacy is used as a tool for countries to solve the problems, which arise in foreign policy, through negotiations peacefully. At present, cultural diplomacy, which is one of the types of diplomacy, has become increasingly important along with globalization and technological developments. Although it is thought that Cultural Diplomacy has developed as a diplomacy understanding in recent times, it is known that the first examples of Cultural Diplomacy date back to the Ancient Greek periods and then were practised by the societies. The concept of culture, which has rich meanings, has led to the emergence of more than one aspect in the definition of the concept of Cultural Diplomacy. Countries can solve the problems by using their culture, traditions or languages in international politics through Cultural Diplomacy, and practise soft power with them. Cultural Diplomacy is a big opportunity for countries to live in peace and solve problems in a peaceful environment by practising soft power. Turkey has carried out Cultural Diplomacy practises with its institutions and organizations and It has taken various steps to promote and spread Turkish culture and values in the international environment. In this study, the historical development, theoretical dimension and the fields of implementation of Cultural Diplomacy have been examined, and it has been tried to explain the practices of Cultural Diplomacy in our country and different countries. Anahtar Kelimeler: Foreign Policy, Cultural Diplomacy, Soft Power