THE COURSE OF INTEREST TOWARDS INDEPENDENT TURKIC REPUBLICS IN GRADUATE THESIS WRITTEN IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION IN TURKEY (2000–2025): A LOOK AT CULTURAL INTEGRATION FROM AN ACADEMIC PERSPECTIVE

Аннотация

Throughout history, the Turkic world has been united by a shared language, history, belief system, and cultural codes. Although political structures that developed in different geographies have at times disrupted these ties, relations—particularly with the newly independent Turkic republics—have been revitalized since the last quarter of the 20th century. This process of rapprochement, which initially began in the political and economic spheres, has continued in the fields of language, literature, and culture. Among the most strategic and sustainable areas of cooperation developed during this period has been education. The Republic of Türkiye, driven by both its historical responsibility and its role as a cultural leader, continues to strengthen its relations with the independent Turkic republics through education policies, cultural initiatives, and academic collaborations. These multilayered educational partnerships are reflected not only in practical implementation but also in academic output. The aim of this study is to identify the level of academic interest in the independent Turkic republics as reflected in postgraduate theses prepared in the field of education in the Republic of Türkiye between 2000 and 2025. The study is conducted using the document analysis method, a qualitative research approach. The findings will reveal the distribution and evolution over time of academic output in the field of education concerning the independent Turkic republics, as well as its relationship with the broader political and diplomatic context.