An examination of the opinions of foreign students studying in Turkey regarding Turkish politics

The study aimed to examine the perceptions of the political system, political attitudes, and levels of political literacy among international students studying in Türkiye. Conducted within a quantitative research design, data were collected from 407 international students through a questionnaire. The study evaluated the effects of political culture, political system, and political literacy variables on political attitudes, while also examining the relationship between international students' sources of political information, their engagement with political actors, and the duration of their stay in Türkiye. The findings indicate that international students generally evaluate Türkiye's political system positively and perceive politics as a fundamental component of social functioning. As the level of political culture increases, political attitudes tend to develop within a more democratic, participatory, and rational framework. Students with higher levels of political literacy interpret political events more critically and assess decision-making processes more consciously. Moreover, students who obtain political information through digital media demonstrate higher levels of awareness compared to those relying on traditional sources. It was also observed that students who have resided in Türkiye for a longer period exhibit greater confidence in the political system and a stronger inclination toward political participation. The results reveal that political awareness develops not merely through access to information but also through cultural experience and social interaction.