Transformation in the Turkish Educational System from the Ottoman Empire to the Republic of Turkey: The Elements Behind the Contemporary Status of EFL

Aim: The aim of this study is to show the evolution of the Turkish educational system, tracing its development from the Ottoman Empire simultaneously with the political and historical events. Thus, it intends to explore the conditions and requirements that played a pivotal role in shaping the current status of in Turkey. Methods: The historical review method was used to present frequent regulations applied by the Ottoman Empire and the Turkish Republic in the country's educational system, and more specifically in the education of English. Results: Frequent radical changes of the last two decades in the educational system have resulted in a number of problems. Firstly, education lost its value in the eyes of students as they thought the authorities do not see the educational system as something important for the country. Secondly, there have been many concerns among teachers and school administrators regarding the implementation of the improvement projects due to some factors such as inequality in opportunities across the country, physical limitations, and budgetary constraints. In the context of Foreign Language Education (FLE), the lack of foreign language questions in the common mandatory university entrance exam (TYT), and the assessment of only passive language knowledge in the foreign language exam (YDT), led to a decline in students' motivation to learn English. Conclusions: Enhancing English proficiency prior to university admission could lead to more success in language learning experiences of students in Turkey. This approach would prevent them from wasting their time before commencing their university education and avoid challenges arising from delayed foreign language learning.