This article covers cultural exchanges between India and Türkiye, the teaching of Indology, Hindi and Indian studies at Turkish universities, and the Indian community and Indian students in Türkiye. It is based on the MEA bilateral brief of June 2026, and community figures are given as estimated in the brief at that time.

Shared heritage

According to the MEA brief of June 2026, there are historical connections between India and Türkiye. The brief notes that the Sufi philosophy of Mevlana Jelaluddin Rumi found resonance in the Indian sub-continent, with its own traditions of Sufism and the Bhakti movement. It also notes that there are many words common to the Hindi and Turkish languages.

Cultural exchanges

The brief states that India and Türkiye have traditionally shared cultural linkages. The brief records that cultural performances, film shows, exhibitions, seminars and outreach to universities are organised from time to time.

A Festival of India in Türkiye, titled India by the Bosphorus, was held in March-April 2019. It showcased Indian dance, music, food and fashion in major cities in Türkiye. Several events were also organised in connection with Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav (India@75).

In July 2022, a Gujarati folk dance group, 'Saptak', sponsored by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR), visited Bursa in Türkiye for the 34th International Golden Karagoz Folk Competition.

Film and cinema

An India-Turkiye Roundtable on cooperation in films and cinema was held in Istanbul as part of the Istanbul Film Festival's 'Meetings on the Bridge'. According to the brief, the discussion was led by Ambassador Sh. Muktesh Pardeshi and Director General Birol Güven of the Ministry of Culture & Tourism.

Both sides deliberated on a roadmap of cooperation to enable more interaction between the industry ecosystems of the two countries. The brief gives no date for the roundtable.

Indology and Hindi at Turkish universities

The brief states that the teaching and learning of Turkish and Indian languages are encouraged and facilitated in each other's countries. Ankara University has an Indology Department, and an ICCR Hindi Chair was established in that department in 1998.

India Studies Centres have also been established at several universities in Türkiye. The brief names METU, Giresum, Kayseri, Malatya, Cag, Istanbul and Koc Universities.

For readers in Türkiye interested in Hindi, the brief also notes that the Kendriya Hindi Sansthan, Agra, invites applications annually under the scheme of "Propagation of Hindi Abroad at Kendriya Hindi Sansthan".

Ninety years of Turkish Indology

In May 2026, a gathering at Ankara University's Muzaffer Göker Conference Hall marked "90 Years of Turkish Indology", under the theme "Historical Foundations and Contemporary Dynamics in Türkiye-India Relations". The symposium brought together academicians, students and Indologists from different parts of Türkiye.

The event also featured an exhibition of Rabindranath Tagore paintings and photographs of Indian culture, and a mehndi (henna) counter. The ICCR Hindi Chair at Ankara University was highlighted for its contribution to academic engagement. According to the brief, the Department of Indology has acted as a bridge for the exchange of knowledge between India and Türkiye since 1935-36.

The Indian community

According to the brief, there are currently around 3686 estimated Indian nationals in Türkiye. Of these, around 2286 are in Istanbul and adjoining provinces and around 150 in Ankara, with the remainder spread out across other provinces.

Most members of the community work in commercial organisations, banks and computer firms. The brief adds that a number of Indians work in the faculty of several Turkish universities.

Indian students

As of the brief, there are over 246 Indian students in Türkiye. The brief states that most of them study Theology and are on Turkish scholarships.