Learn Turkish in Istanbul: Public Courses, Private Tutors & Self-Study Materials

Istanbul is not only Turkey’s largest and most cosmopolitan city, but also a cultural and educational hub. With its rich history, dynamic lifestyle, and large population of expats and international residents, Istanbul is an ideal place to learn Turkish. Whether you’re living in Istanbul long-term or just visiting, there are plenty of options for learning the Turkish language.

This blog post will guide you through the best ways to learn Turkish in Istanbul, including public Turkish courses, private Turkish language schools, one-on-one Turkish tutors, and self-study Turkish materials that you can use wherever you are.

TURKISH COURSES IN ISTANBUL

1) Public Turkish Courses in Istanbul

İSMEK (Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Art and Vocational Training Courses)

İSMEK is the most well-known provider of public education in Istanbul. They offer free Turkish language courses for foreigners, usually at beginner (A1–A2) levels. These courses are:

• Free for all residents (registration with an ID or residence permit required)
• Offered in multiple districts across Istanbul (Fatih, Kadıköy, Üsküdar, etc.)
• Focused on everyday conversation and grammar

Public Education Centers (Halk Eğitim Merkezi)

Each district in Istanbul has a Halk Eğitim Merkezi (Public Education Center) offering affordable or free Turkish courses. These classes are ideal for long-term expats and usually follow a formal curriculum with certified teachers.

2) Private Turkish Language Schools

Private language schools in Istanbul offer more flexible scheduling and personalized programs. They often provide intensive Turkish courses, small group classes, or one-on-one tutoring.

Popular Private Turkish Language Schools in Istanbul

• Royal Turkish Language School – Kadıköy and Taksim campuses
• Concept Languages – Located in Levent, offers professional Turkish for expats
• Just Speak Turkish – Offers online and in-person private Turkish lessons

Most of these schools offer programs aligned with CEFR levels (A1 to C1), and provide certificates of completion.

3) Private Turkish Tutors

If you prefer more personalized learning, hiring a private Turkish tutor in Istanbul is a great option. You can find professional tutors who specialize in teaching Turkish to foreigners from various backgrounds.

Where to Find Turkish Tutors in Istanbul

• Online tutor platforms (Italki, Preply, Superprof)
• Local expat Facebook groups like “Istanbul Expats” or “Foreigners in Istanbul”
• Language exchange meetups in areas like Beyoğlu, Kadıköy, and Beşiktaş

Private tutoring allows you to focus on your specific goals, such as daily conversation, business Turkish, or academic support. Many tutors are flexible with meeting locations—at cafes, coworking spaces, or online.

4) Self-study Turkish Materials

Dem Turkish Center – Learn Turkish Anywhere, Anytime

Dem Turkish Center is a trusted online platform offering a wide range of self-study Turkish language resources. Whether you live in Istanbul or are studying remotely, you can learn at your own pace.

Dem Turkish Center provides:

• Downloadable Turkish Courses for Beginners to Intermediate (A1–B2)
• Grammar and Vocabulary Workbooks with audio
• Printable PDF worksheets and listening materials
• Daily conversation practice lessons
• Live online conversation classes and AI speaking practice

These materials are ideal for learners who want flexible, affordable, and self-paced Turkish lessons that can be combined with in-person learning.

Download Turkish language courses for self-study

Conclusion: Start Your Turkish Journey in Istanbul

Whether you're attending a public course, joining a private school, hiring a tutor, or using self-study resources from Dem Turkish Center, Istanbul is full of opportunities to improve your Turkish.

Learning Turkish will make your experience in this incredible city even richer—from shopping at local markets to connecting with your neighbors. So take the first step and say: “Merhaba, Türkçe öğreniyorum!”