A group of international students participated in a cultural heritage tour to the historic city of Kırşehir, gaining the opportunity to learn Turkish beyond textbooks through direct interaction with ancient monuments and local residents.
Language Learning in the Context of Culture and History
On July 19, 2026, the city of Kırşehir hosted a large group of international students who traveled to the region to strengthen their language skills. This program, organized under the title "Turkish Education in the Field," allowed students to apply vocabulary and terms learned in classrooms within a completely real environment and among historical monuments [1]. This innovative educational approach, in addition to increasing students' confidence in conversation, introduced them to the deep cultural roots of Turkey.
Visiting the Architectural Gems of Kırşehir
The route of this cultural journey included visits to prominent sites such as the "Ahi Evran" complex and the historical "Cacabey" Madrasa. While visiting these buildings, students listened to guides' explanations in Turkish and discussed Seljuk architectural history and ancient educational systems [2]. The Cacabey Madrasa, which was once used as an observatory, was of particular interest to the students, providing an opportunity to learn specialized vocabulary related to astronomy and history.
Interaction with the Local Community and Spiritual Heritage
An important part of this trip was dedicated to interacting with local people and getting acquainted with the traditional music of the region. By visiting the grave of "Neşet Ertaş," the great master of folk music, students became familiar with deeper concepts of Turkish literature and folklore [3]. These social interactions helped students better understand everyday accents and idioms. According to the organizers in the "Yeni Ankara" media, the goal of this program is not only language teaching but also creating a bridge between international students and Turkish cultural identity so they can act as cultural ambassadors in their own countries [1].
The Importance of Field Education in Second Language Learning
Language education experts believe that being in historical and cultural environments doubles the retention of educational materials in the minds of language learners. Students participating in this tour expressed that hearing historical stories at the sites where they occurred transformed language learning from a dry academic process into an enjoyable experience [2]. These programs are scheduled to continue in other historical cities of Turkey in the coming months so that a wider network of international students can benefit from these learning opportunities.
Foreign students learned about Turkish history and language at the site of ancient monuments during a cultural trip to Kırşehir.
linkSources
- Uluslararası öğrenciler Kırşehir kültürel miras gezisi ile Türkçeyi sahada öğrendi — Yeni Ankara (2026-07-18)
- Kırşehir'de Tarihi Mekanlarda Türkçe Eğitimi — TRT Haber (2026-07-17)
- Ahi Evran Külliyesi ve Cacabey Medresesi Ziyareti — Kırşehir Valiliği (2026-07-19)
