General view of Malay University Students towards the image of Turkey

Abstract

There are some factors affecting people’sperceptions towards other countries. Information obtainedfrom textbooks and teachers, especially during a student’sprimary school education, is arguably amongst the mostimportant factors affecting these perceptions. In addition,media, social media, and family and friendship groups are also among the factors affecting the opinions of studentstowards other countries [1]. Although few studies havebeen conducted examining the perceptions and opinions of the international students studying in Turkey, there arefewer studies determining perceptions of other countries’ students towards Turkey who are not studying in Turkey(whether in their home country or elsewhere). In thiscontext, the primary aim of this research is to determineMalay university students’ perceptions towards withTurkey and its history. In accordance with this purpose, a solution has been created for the identified subproblems in this study. The study is carried out using qualitativeresearch methods. The study is designed as a case study because it is aimed to determine the current situation. Casestudies are a preferred method when it is aimed to presentthe situation in detail. In this context, it aimed to gatherdata with semi-structured interviews, because it is compatible with the nature of the study. The sample of thestudy is determined according to the convenience samplemethod because it is the most easily accessible.In light of the findings obtained from the study, it was understood thatinformation about Ottoman history was included in Malaysian school textbooks and students were aware aboutthe Ottoman Empire. In addition, it was found that some of the students had a positive attitude towards Turkey and up to date information about the country. In order to better comprehend the perception of non-Turkish studentstowards Turkey, it is advisable that similar studies be carried out in other countries.