NCCU maintains extensive exchange and collaboration relationships with universities in Turkey, including Bilkent University, Kadir Has University, Koc University, Istanbul University, and Sabanci University. In addition to about 80 million Turkish speaking population in Turkey, there are a lot more Turkic ethnics spreading through Northwest provinces as well as regions in Central Asia, Western Asia and Eastern Europe. Because of frequent changes of Turkic ethnics and its expansive spread, their language and development of history caught the attention of Western scholars. Therefore, it brought about the rise of Turcology. Renowned colleges in Europe and America have graduate schools of Turcology and they hold academic seminars periodically. To Respond to the rise of Turcology, First established in 1990 to respond to the increasing strategic importance of Turkey, the Department cultivates Turkish linguistic and cultural competence through language training and courses on Turkish history, geography, politics, and social studies, preparing students for careers in commerce, diplomacy and academics.