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Writer's pictureDr. Furkan KURT

Embark on a Journey Through the Turkish Alphabet with Turkish Master Class

Updated: Oct 16, 2023

Greetings, passionate language learners and friends on the path to discovering Turkish! I'm thrilled to guide you through the intricacies of the Turkish language, unlocking its unique beauty and richness. Today, let’s delve into the Turkish alphabet, exploring the pronunciation of its letters and the words they form. 📚✨

The Essence of the Turkish Alphabet The Turkish alphabet, a modified variant of the Latin alphabet, is the corn

A Turkish landscape illustration showing modern and old Turkey with letters from the Latin Turkish alphabet in the sky and a Turkish tea cup without a handle with the inscription 'Turkish Master Class'. In the background are historical sites, seascapes, important places in Turkey such as Atatürk, Anıtkabir, Ephesus, Cappadocia.

erstone of communication and written expression in the Turkish language. Comprising 29 letters, it introduces six additional letters and omits three compared to the English Latin alphabet. A thorough understanding of the Turkish alphabet is paramount in mastering the language, and this guide is crafted to assist you in navigating its fundamentals.

Alphabet Composition The Turkish alphabet is meticulously structured into 29 letters, categorized as follows:


  • Vowels (8): a, e, ı, i, o, ö, u, ü

  • Consonants (21): b, c, ç, d, f, g, ğ, h, j, k, l, m, n, p, r, s, ş, t, v, y, z


Vowels lay the foundation for Turkish pronunciation, while consonants introduce complexity and structure to words. A precise understanding of each letter’s pronunciation is vital for clear communication.

🔍 A Closer Look: The Turkish Alphabet and Pronunciation The table below provides a comprehensive overview of the Turkish alphabet, offering pronunciation examples and sample words for each letter:


Table 1 showing the Turkish alphabet and pronunciation

Table 2 showing the Turkish alphabet and pronunciation

Pronunciation Nuances While most Turkish letters bear pronunciation similarities to their English counterparts, some letters possess unique pronunciation rules that warrant special attention. To immerse yourself in these letters and grasp the nuances of Turkish pronunciation, consider exploring the following resources:



Highlight on "Yumuşak Ge" (Ğ ğ): This letter, colloquially known as "soft g," always follows a vowel and has two distinct pronunciations:


  • If preceded by "a," "ı," "o," or "u," it elongates the vowel sound. E.g., "yağmur" (rain) or "ağaç" (tree).

  • If preceded by "e," "i," "ö," or "ü," it is pronounced as "y." E.g., "eğitim" (education) or "iğne" (needle).


Note: "Yumuşak ge" never initiates a word. 🎥 Pronunciation Practice: For enhanced pronunciation of the letters, visit this specially curated page, and for word pronunciation, watch this video I've recorded. Engage in the practice sessions within the video, repeating sounds or words in the pauses to assess yourself.

🚀 Your Companion in Learning Turkish: Turkish Master Class It’s my utmost joy to navigate you through your Turkish learning adventure. By visiting www.turkishmasterclass.com, you can delve into grammar, vocabulary, practice videos, and more, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience. Feel free to reach out at any moment with your questions and curiosities.

📢 Join Our Community: Discover this blog post and more on Reddit and Medium, and stay updated with my shares on my personal website, turkishmasterclass.com.

🌟 Parting Words: Learning Turkish, akin to any language, is a journey demanding patience, time, and practice. Rest assured, I will accompany you at every step, guiding you through this vibrant and colorful world of Turkish!

Warm regards, Dr. Furkan Kurt Turkish Expert and Instructor, Turkish Master Class

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