Department of Turkish Language and Literature

I am Alev AKARSU, a fourth-year student majoring in Turkish Language and Literature at Balikesir University. Our department, located on the Çağış Campus, has been offering education and training since 1993 and is one of the pioneering departments within our faculty. The first graduates of our department received their degrees in 1997. Upon successful completion of this program, we obtain an undergraduate diploma in Turkish Language and Literature and earn the title of Turcologist.
Our department encompasses five main branches of study, namely Turkish Folk Literature, New Turkish Literature, Old Turkish Literature, New Turkish Language, and Old Turkish Language. Within our curriculum, we have a variety of elective and compulsory courses, including Turkish Folk Poetry, Contemporary Turkish Literature, Ottoman Turkish, and Introduction to Rhetoric. As part of our graduation requirements, we undertake a thesis project of our choice.
Upon graduation, our department opens up diverse career opportunities for us. We can pursue positions at universities as Turkish Language Specialists, Research Assistants, or Turkish Language Instructors. Additionally, by obtaining pedagogical training, we can teach in state institutions affiliated with the Ministry of National Education. There are also employment prospects in private sectors such as press and advertising, as well as within state institutions like the Ministry of Culture and the Turkish Radio and Television Instutition (TRT).
Driven by my passion and love for literature, I consciously chose to study in the Department of Turkish Language and Literature. Furthermore, I envisioned a future intertwined with books, which further motivated my decision. Balikesir is a charming and vibrant city, blessed with a rich geography, climate, and its proximity to the sea. It provides an ideal environment for students like myself. I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue my studies in Balıkesir.
The quality of the academic staff at Balikesir University was one of the decisive factors for me in choosing this institution. The Mehmet Akif Ersoy Library and the Atatürk Congress and Culture Center, both located on our campus, offer invaluable cultural and social resources to enhance our academic journey. Like many of my peers, I also have the option to teach within the Ministry of National Education. However, due to my strong interest in the field, I aspire to become an academician by pursuing a master's degree.
Prospective candidates considering this department should approach it willingly and enthusiastically. Turkish language and literature should be valued for the academic education it provides. Studying in the city of Balikesir, which offers a comfortable and welcoming environment, will be an enjoyable experience. I extend my best wishes to those preparing for university entrance exams and cordially invite them to join Balıkesir University.