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Ukrainian children in Kyiv are continuing to learn Turkish despite the difficulties of war in a language-focused high school in the capital, which keeps up its role as an educational bridge between Ukraine and Türkiye.
At the Kyiv No. 1 High School of Eastern Languages, around 100 of the school’s 900 students are studying Turkish, even as the country continues to live through the effects of the war that began in 2022.
The school, which teaches seven Eastern languages, has received support from the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, known as TIKA. The agency has helped renovate and equip classrooms, while also supporting the modernization of a hall used for cultural activities and exhibitions.
School principal Oksana Proskura, who has led the school for 11 years, said Turkish has become especially popular among new students.
She noted that many students approach the language through personal memories of Türkiye, including family holidays and an interest in Turkish culture.
Proskura also said Türkiye’s support has been highly valuable during wartime, describing its role in the education process as especially important for the school.
According to Proskura, educational cooperation with Türkiye remains strong. She said some graduates of the school have gone on to work among Ukrainian diplomats in Türkiye, while others have continued their education at Turkish universities.
She added that some Ukrainian students in Türkiye have also been taking remote classes because of the war.
For the school, this exchange has turned language education into more than a classroom subject. Proskura underlined that the school sees its role as a bridge between the two countries.
Among the students learning Turkish is 13-year-old Anastasia, who said her interest began after visiting Türkiye. She has traveled to Ankara, Istanbul and Antalya, and said she likes baklava and kebab.
She also recalled that students sang the national anthems of both countries on May 19 and learned how to dance the halay, a traditional folk dance performed in groups in Türkiye.
Another student, 14-year-old Olya, said she had visited Ankara and Izmir and wanted to become a lawyer. Maxim said he and his friends study new Turkish words together while also learning about Türkiye’s history.
Through these lessons, students in Kyiv are keeping up their education in Turkish while building personal and cultural ties with Türkiye during a period shaped by war.
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