Turkish Society Research Articles

PRECEDENT NAMES AS TRANSMITTERS OF HISTORICAL AND COLLECTIVE MEMORY IN THE POEM “THE TIME IN BURSA” BY A. H. TANPINAR

This article explores the use of precedent names as carriers of historical and collective memory in A. H. Tanpınar's poem “The Time in Bursa.” Precedent names, being culturally significant proper nouns, evoke historical, cultural, and social connotations that resonate deeply within a collective consciousness. The study analyzes how these names serve as linguistic bridges between past and present, shaping a shared understanding of national identity and heritage in Tanpınar’s poetry. The analysis focuses on the poem's ability to transmit cultural memory through names associated with key historical events, figures, and places, thus linking personal memory with collective historical narratives. By exploring the poetic function of these precedent names, the article highlights Tanpınar’s contribution to preserving and enriching the cultural identity of Turkish society. Employing methods such as textual, intertextual, and historical-linguistic analysis, the research uncovers how Tanpınar’s use of precedent names fosters a dialogue between individual and national history, allowing readers to engage with the collective memory of their community. The study positions precedent names not merely as literary devices, but as pivotal elements in understanding the dynamics of memory and identity in Turkish poetry. This research aims to broaden the understanding of how names rooted in cultural and historical significance can function as powerful transmitters of collective memory, contributing to the formation of a cohesive national identity in literary texts.

Loneliness, Psychological Well-being, Depression, and Social Participation in the Older Persons: Rural and Urban Differences.

The purpose of this study is to compare the loneliness, psychological well- being, depression, and social participation of elderly people living in Turkish society between rural and urban areas. The sample group of the study, in which a correlational survey model was used, consisted of 610 elderly adults. The study population consists of two groups: the first group consists of individuals over 65 years of age living in the city (Istanbul) (n= 291), and the second group consists of individuals over 65 years of age living in rural areas (rural areas of Ordu) (n= 319). Socio-demographic Information Form, Loneliness in the Elderly Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, Psychological Well-Being in the Elderly Scale, and Social Inclusion Scale were applied online. Statistical analyses of the study were conducted using SPSS 27.00, and the Independent Samples t-test and ANOVA test were used. According to the findings of this study, statistically significant results were found in psychological well-being, social inclusion, social relations, loneliness and depression, and place of residence. It was observed that the social isolation and social acceptance levels of those living in urban areas were higher than those living in rural areas. Social, loneliness, and depression scores of those living in the village/town were found to be higher than those living in the city centre. Furthermore, the social relationship scores of those living in the village/town were found to be higher than those living in the city centre. The increasing elderly population worldwide has become an issue that requires global measures. Place of residence is one of the factors thought to affect older people's health and well- being. It is thought that the study data will contribute to new policies that will ensure the protection and promotion of elderly health and those working in this field. In addition, the study, which provides information about Turkish culture, will also enable intercultural comparisons.

Sequencing and characterization of complete mitogenome DNA of worldwide turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) populations

The history of turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) domestication can be traced back to the period between 700 and 200 BC in Mexico. This process involved multiple contributors and resulted in the development of modern local turkey breeds. This research investigates the complete mitochondrial diversity across a diverse range of local turkeys. Seventy-three turkeys were sampled from various populations, including autochthonous Italian breeds, an American breed (Narragansett), as well as wild turkeys from the USA and Mexico. The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was employed as a powerful tool for biodiversity and breed phylogeny investigation. An analysis of the entire mtDNA was conducted to identify breed-specific unique traits, mitochondrial-specific characteristics, and the phylogenetic relationship among turkey populations. A total of 44 polymorphic sites were identified. Brianzolo and Narragansett birds were characterized as genetically homogeneous populations. Thirty-two different haplotypes were identified when our samples were compared with mtDNA D-loop of 96 online available turkeys from various geographical countries. H1 and H2, differing for one mutation, were the most abundant, comprising 132 of the 185 sequences. H1 included samples coming from every region, while H2 was predominantly characterized by Italian samples. USA and Mexican samples appear to be more variable in their mtDNA than the other populations.

The Power of Innovation: Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, Components, Research and Start-Up Approaches and the Development Process of the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in Turkey

This article, under the title "The Power of Innovation: Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, Components, Research and Start-up Approaches and the Development Process of the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in Turkey", examines how Turkey's dynamic entrepreneurship environment is shaped by innovation and the important components in this process. While entrepreneurship has a critical role in economic development and social transformation, innovation stands out as the main driving force of this process. First of all, Turkey's young and educated population, increasing digitalization and access to technology strengthen the entrepreneurial culture and create new business opportunities. In the article, the basic elements of the innovation ecosystem in Turkey, namely the interactions between universities, public institutions, the private sector and entrepreneurs, are discussed in detail. Additionally, the difficulties faced by entrepreneurs in Turkey are analyzed through factors such as limited financial resources, inadequate mentoring and training opportunities. In this context, the effects of the state's innovation strategies, incentive mechanisms and entrepreneurship support programs are examined. For example, the contributions of the supports provided by organizations such as KOSGEB and TÜBİTAK to the realization of entrepreneurs' projects are emphasized. In the article, the contribution of international collaborations and foreign investments to Turkey's innovation ecosystem is discussed, thus focusing on its competitiveness potential in the global market. Additionally, successful domestic enterprise examples are supported by concrete data showing how innovation and entrepreneurship create synergy. As a result, the development of the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Turkey is directly linked to the power of innovation. In order to create a sustainable innovation environment, the need for continuous support, training and policy development comes to the fore. This article aims to provide readers with a comprehensive perspective by presenting the paths and strategies to be followed to maximize Turkey's entrepreneurial potential.

A qualitative study on Problems of Young People and Ways of Religious Coping in Türkiye

The research aims to investigate the problems faced by young people in Turkey and the religious coping mechanisms they use to cope with these problems. A total of 403 students from Turkey participated, including 190 high school and 213 university students. The research, conducted in April 2024, employed two different methods for data collection: written data was gathered directly from high school students through interviews, while questionnaires were distributed to university students and collected by the researcher. We used semi-structured interviews based on a specific framework, asking participants three broad and open-ended questions. After conducting a content analysis on the data, the researcher categorized the data thematically. Based on the available data, the findings of the research classified the problems faced by young people into three main categories: individual, social, and existential issues. Individual problems included gender roles, sexuality, religious doubts, stress, addiction, and loneliness. Social problems consisted of local and popular culture, violence, concerns about the future, difficulties in finding employment, the education process, marriage, and family communication. Existential issues included the meaning of life, death, and belief in God. The study revealed that young people often resort to religious coping strategies to handle these challenges. These strategies include praying (salat), supplication (dua), expressing gratitude, repentance, performing ablution, attending mosques, reading the Qur'an, participating in religious talks, and engaging in volunteer services. As a result, it has been determined that religious coping strategies are an important part of the daily lives of young people in Turkey and that these strategies play an important role in coping with individual, social, and existential challenges.

Examining Lifestyle Risk Factor Clusters and Mental Health in Adults

Abstract Background Lifestyle risk factors often cluster, impacting both physical and mental health. Studies reveal bidirectional relationships between lifestyle factors and health. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between mental health problems, self-reported depression, and lifestyle risk factors in a sample of the adult population in Turkey. Methods 2022 Turkey Health Survey (THS) data were used. The sample group was made using cross-sectional data of approximately 22742 individuals in the adult population over 15 years of age. Two-stage clustering method was used to determine vital risk factor clusters. Regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between vital risk factor clusters and self-reported depression and mental health problems. Results Lifestyle risk factors were grouped into 4 clusters. It was observed that unhealthy diet, inadequate physical activity, and smoking, which are modifiable lifestyle risk factors, were together in the clusters. It was also observed that self-reported depression and mental problems were more associated with clusters with more than one lifestyle risk factor. In addition, women, married individuals, and individuals over 65 years of age were more associated with mental problems. Conclusions As a result of the findings, there was an association between people with mental problems and lifestyle risk factors such as smoking, unhealthy diet, and insufficient physical activity. These findings may help to plan and implement more effective health policies and individual interventions targeting groups with multiple lifestyle risk factors in the future. Key messages • The target group was determined to improve community mental health and to make necessary interventions. • Since inadequate physical activity, which is one of the vital risk factors, and unhealthy nutrition and smoking tend to cluster together, it was determined that these problems should be prioritised

Empowering health literacy: Turkiye’s Health Literacy Action Plan 2022-2026

Abstract Issue/Problem The ‘Health Literacy Action Plan 2022-2026’ of the Turkish Ministry of Health addresses the critical public health issue of limited health literacy, leading to increased hospital admissions, inappropriate emergency department use, and poor health outcomes. This underscores a significant challenge in individual health self-management and higher healthcare expenditure within the country. Description of the Problem The Health Literacy Action Plan aims to tackle disparities in health literacy levels among people. It employs customized teaching schemes, digital communication, and inclusive healthcare practices to reach every demographic group. The plan seeks to enhance health knowledge and empowerment among Turkish people by increasing access to medical information, simplifying clinician instructions, and promoting closer communication between patients and healthcare professionals. Results Comparative evaluation of nationwide surveys conducted in 2017 and 2023 with 15,000 participants shows remarkable improvements. Despite delays due to the pandemic, the action plan led to a notable increase in adequate health literacy levels from 31.9% in 2017 to 46.1% in 2023. Additionally, significant improvements were observed in ailment prevention and health promotion, with health literacy levels in disease prevention increasing from 28.4% to 45.7%. Lessons The Health Literacy Action Plan plays a crucial role in developing and implementing multifaceted public health strategies based on data and stakeholder participation. These interventions, requiring continuous monitoring and adjustment, are essential steps toward achieving high-level health literacy. Key messages • Strategic health literacy interventions are essential for improving health outcomes and optimizing the use of public resources. • Evidence-based interventions and ongoing evaluation are key to promoting health literacy.

Prognostic Impact of Low Muscle Mass and Inflammatory Markers in Stage III Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer Turkish Oncology Group and Turkish Society of Radiation Oncology Thoracic Cancer Study Group (08-005).

The aim of this retrospective multicenter study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of low muscle mass, and inflammatory markers in patients with stage III nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Furthermore, the study aimed to determine the threshold value of disease-specific low muscle mass. A total of 461 patients with stage III NSCLC were evaluated. Low muscle mass, prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and biochemical inflammatory markers were assessed. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis were used to analyze overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). This study found a disease-specific low muscle mass threshold of LSMI <38.7cm²/m² for women and <45.1cm²/m² for men, with 25.2% of patients having disease-specific low muscle mass. Multivariate cox regression analysis revealed that low PNI was found to be an independent unfavorable prognostic factor for both PFS (HR=0.67; 95% CI: 0.48-0.92, P= 0.015) and OS (HR=0.67; 95% CI: 0.50-0.91, P=0.008). Other factors including ECOG PS 3 (HR=7.76; 95% CI: 1.73-34.76, P=0.007), induction CT (HR=0.66; 95% CI: 0.49-0.88, P= 0.004), and disease-specific low muscle mass (HR=1.40; 95% CI: 1.02-1.92, P= 0.038) also had independent effects on prognosis. The present study provides evidence that the presence of low muscle mass and low PNI significantly impacts the prognosis of patients with stage III NSCLC who undergo definitive CRT. Furthermore, our study is notable for being the first multicenter investigation to identify a disease-specific low muscle mass threshold.

Evaluating the Performance of ChatGPT, Gemini, and Bing Compared with Resident Surgeons in the Otorhinolaryngology In-service Training Examination.

Large language models (LLMs) are used in various fields for their ability to produce human-like text. They are particularly useful in medical education, aiding clinical management skills and exam preparation for residents. To evaluate and compare the performance of ChatGPT (GPT-4), Gemini, and Bing with each other and with otorhinolaryngology residents in answering in-service training exam questions and provide insights into the usefulness of these models in medical education and healthcare. Eight otorhinolaryngology in-service training exams were used for comparison. 316 questions were prepared from the Resident Training Textbook of the Turkish Society of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. These questions were presented to the three artificial intelligence models. The exam results were evaluated to determine the accuracy of both models and residents. GPT-4 achieved the highest accuracy among the LLMs at 54.75% (GPT-4 vs. Gemini p=0.002, GPT-4 vs. Bing p<0.001), followed by Gemini at 40.50% and Bing at 37.00% (Gemini vs. Bing p=0.327). However, senior residents outperformed all LLMs and other residents with an accuracy rate of 75.5% (p<0.001). The LLMs could only compete with junior residents. GPT- 4 and Gemini performed similarly to juniors, whose accuracy level was 46.90% (p=0.058 and p=0.120, respectively). However, juniors still outperformed Bing (p=0.019). The LLMs currently have limitations in achieving the same medical accuracy as senior and mid-level residents. However, they outperform in specific subspecialties, indicating the potential usefulness in certain medical fields.

Validity and Reliability Testing of the Turkish Version of the Self-Acceptance Scale for Pregnant Women

Objective: This study was conducted to adapt the Self-Acceptance Scale for Pregnant Women (SAS-PW), which was developed in Brazil, to Turkish and test the psychometric properties of its Turkish version. Method: This methodological study was carried out with 576 pregnant women who presented to the pregnancy outpatient clinics of a Research and Training Hospital in northern Turkey between December 2021 and April 2022. The validity of the Turkish version of SAS-PW was tested by conducting linguistic, content, and construct validity analyses, while its reliability was tested by conducting internal consistency and test-retest analyses. Results: According to the results of the exploratory factor analysis, the factor load values of the items and the rates of the total variance in scale scores explained by the factors were sufficient. The confirmatory factor analysis results demonstrated that the goodness-of-fit indices of the scale were within suitable ranges. The 2-factor and 10-item construct of the original SAS-PW was confirmed based on the factor analyses. The item-total score correlations of the scale were found sufficient, and the total Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of SAS-PW was determined to be 0.933. The test-retest analysis of the scale scores revealed a strong correlation between the scores of the two implementations. Conclusions: The Turkish version of SAS-PW is a valid and reliable measurement instrument to evaluate the self-acceptance levels of pregnant women in Turkish society.

The Importance of Child Education in the Context of Establishing a New Nation and New Society in Bekir ÇOBANZADE’s Works

The idea of establishing a new nation and new society reflected in Bekir Sıtkı ÇOBANZADE’s ideology and poetry is an extension of İsmail Bey Gaspıralı’s national renaissance and rebirth movement. The concept of national renaissance and rebirth initiated by the Tercüman newspaper primarily influenced the children, who represented the new society that the Crimean Tatar people, seeking to return to their roots and escape Russian imperialism, aimed to establish. The Usûl-u Cedit education system was used to transform young Tatar children into heroic Turkish and Muslim people fighting against Russian imperialism. This system strengthened the rebirth process of Crimean Tatar children who were weakened by Russian imperialism. During this process, in 1905, Çobanzade initiated the Yaş Tatar movement along with young people like Numan Celebi Cihan and Hasan Mirza Cergeyev. In his poem “Anan Kayda,” published here, he aimed to raise Crimean Tatar children under Russian imperialism into children who would fight against fate and the Russification policy within the poetics of the New Nation and New Society to be established. For the Crimean Tatar people, avoiding the loss of their true selves, the only way out is to create an enlightened and educated segment built on their ideals and national identity. Therefore, in his poems, Çobanzade created a child prototype. The most well-known of these prototypes is a girl named Esma. The poet designed the political panorama of the era through Esma. He desired to raise a new nation and new society that were free from the calamities and oppression the people were facing.

Development, validity and reliability of the “Multiple sclerosis stigma scale”

BackgroundStigma in multiple sclerosis (MS) refers to the negative attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that patients may encounter as a result of their diagnosis. Patients who hold stigmatizing beliefs are more prone to experiencing anxiety and depression, social isolation, and poor treatment adherence. To mitigate the adverse effects of stigma, it is crucial to assess stigmatizing beliefs; however, there is currently no specific stigma scale available for MS. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to develop and validate “Multiple Sclerosis Stigma Scale (MSSS)”. MethodsThis methodological study was conducted in three phases. In the first phase, the concept of stigma in MS was defined. In the second phase, an item pool was generated based on the findings from the first phase. In the third phase, psychometric properties of the scale were evaluated, including face and content validity, construct validity, convergent validity and reliability. ResultsAfter evaluating the validity (face, content, and construct validity) and reliability, the initial item pool of 276 items was reduced to 12 items. Factor analysis revealed two factors: discrimination and disclosure. The developed questionnaire had excellent reliability, with an internal consistency coefficient of 0.88 and a stability coefficient of 0.87. ConclusionThe 12-item MSSS is valid and reliable for assessing the level of stigma in Turkish people with MS.

Integration of displaced students into the culturally and linguistically different school environment

AbstractThe rapid increase in the number of refugees arriving in the last decade and the discussion about the integration of Syrian refugees into Turkish society has received special attention. As an important tool of socialisation in childhood, the educational system and school environment need to be structured using refugee‐friendly and equity‐based methods to meet the needs and expectations of refugee children. Based on the perceptions of school leaders and teachers, this study attempts to understand the challenges faced by Syrian refugee students during their integration into the school environment in Turkey and explore the practices of educators in meeting these challenges. A phenomenological qualitative design explored educators' beliefs, thoughts and experiences regarding the education of Syrian refugee children in Turkish schools. Participants of this research were 21 educators including 4 principals, 3 assistant principals, and 14 teachers working in primary and secondary schools with Syrian refugee students. The results show that Syrian refugee students in Turkey encounter various challenges as they adjust socio‐culturally, psychologically, and academically within the school setting. Although some of the teachers apply culturally relevant methodologies unconsciously, there is a gap in professional training on this. Educators declare the need for more practical and inclusive approaches despite the efforts by the Ministry of National Education. Hence, this study suggests the necessity of targeted training programmes because the purpose is to better equip teachers with effective strategies of integration. Thus, it is recommended that gradual language education and mutual cultural activities are widely applied to make refugee students feel more comfortable and to successfully improve their academic achievement. Context and implications Rationale for the study This research is motivated by the precarious situation of Syrian refugee students residing in Turkey. Why the new findings matter The new findings underline large gaps in culturally responsive pedagogy among educators and call forth the need for all‐round, hands‐on training programmes to better facilitate the academic and socio‐cultural integration of refugee children. The findings also reveal a gap in the familiarity and application of culturally responsive pedagogy among educators, pointing to a need for professional development in this area. Implications for practitioners, researchers and policy makers This paper, therefore, calls for the practical training of practitioners in culturally responsive pedagogy to become more supportive of their refugee students. A call is sent out to the framers of the educational policies, which incorporates comprehensive professional development along with inclusive education policies that address the requirements of refugee children. Building on these findings, researchers might explore systems, strategies, and interventions to effectively integrate displaced students into the classroom. The study thus requires collaborative efforts in the creation of supportive school environments that juxtapose socio‐cultural and academic success for quality education among refugee students.

An Analysis of the Religious Solidarity Discourses Regarding the Syrian Refugees in Türkiye

Following the outbreak of the civil war in Syria, a massive migration of Syrian nationals to Türkiye has been a significant phenomenon. This situation has become a problematic issue, as the massive presence of Syrian refugees in Türkiye has become an important part of the domestic political agenda. The politicization of the refugee issue has long since presented a duality of conflicting opinions among the Turkish society, whereas it has led to political debates between pro-government and opposition groups. In light of these developments, Turkish government elites have produced discourses of religious solidarity with the aim of providing tolerance and social acceptance for Syrian refugees and thus legitimizing the open door policy of the government toward these refugees. The aim of this study is to analyze and categorize the themes that constitute the basis of the discourses of religious solidarity regarding Syrian refugees in Türkiye. In this context, a second aim is to demonstrate how these themes have been welcomed in a positive manner by their adoption and recognition by Turkish society. To these aims, governmental discourses of religious solidarity and a sample consisting of 980 posts on the digital platform X have been analyzed by using the critical discourse analysis technique and have been categorized under two discursive themes, namely the ensar–muhacir analogy and the emphases on the Ottoman legacy. The conformity between these discourses and the government’s ideological orientation and the degree to which these discourses have been welcomed and adopted by the Turkish society have been discussed in detail.

The Impact of Age-Based COVID-19 Pandemic Regulations on Older People in Turkey: A Capability Approach.

Older adults all around the world encountered numerous challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of these challenges were pertinent to biological factors, like the risk of infection, while others resulted from social factors, like ageism and government regulations. Employing a capability approach, this study examined how age-based pandemic regulations that were imposed in Turkey affected the freedom and social environment of older adults. We used Bachhi's What is the Problem Represented to Be? (WPR) approach to analyze the memorandums issued by the central government between March 11, 2020, and June 30, 2021. Our analysis revealed that the problem is represented in these memorandums as older people's increased vulnerability to health risks, which resulted in violations of their mobility and health capabilities, as well as (mis)recognition of diversity within the older population. These findings provide vital insight into how age-based pandemic regulations define the problem based exclusively on chronological age, thereby creating circumstances that compromise older people's capabilities beyond simply maintaining health. Thus, we recommend that policymakers pay closer attention to both the intended and unintended consequences of any proposed regulations, and account for individuals' capabilities rather than merely their functionings.

Considering Impulse Buying Behavior on the basis of Islamic Religiosity and Food Retailer Preferences: An Empirical Study in Türkiye

Purpose –This paper aims to investigate consumers' impulse buying behavior on the basis of retailer equity, Islamic religiosity and food retailer preferences.Design/methodology/approach –Consumers aged 18 and over who live in Türkiye, who are assumed to have knowledge about their religious beliefs and will answer the questions asked in this context correctly, were reached by convenience sampling method. This study was conducted by using the online survey method with a sample size of 480 participants. The model in the research was tested with the regression analysing method by using scales arranged with explaratory analyses.Findings–The results of the study reveal that, the Islamic Religiosity Scale has a significant and negative effect on the Impulse Buying and the Retailer Equity Scale has a significant and positive effect on the Impulse Buying. It is seen that the Consumer Food Retailer Selection Scale does not have a significant effect on Impulse Buying.Discussion–Although the research findings, which show that consumers' religious beliefs do not have a significant effect on their grocery shopping, are not generalizable, they make the idea that the religious population, which constitutes two-thirds of Turkey's population, use their religious beliefs as a guide in their grocery choices debatable.

Psychometric Properties of the Turkish Version of the Nursing Clinical Facilitators Questionnaire

Background: Translation and adaptation of English-language tools for use in communities speaking other languages is a facilitating factor for conducting nursing and health-related research. Aim: To test the validity and reliability of the Nursing Clinical Facilitators Questionnaire (NCFQ) for Turkish society. Methods: The study was carried out on 316 students between September 2022 and April 2023. The results were tested with validity and reliability analyzers such as factor analysis, Cronbach’s alpha, and item-total score analysis. Results: The scale comprised 22 items including three subdimensions. In both exploratory and confirmatory factor tests, the overall factor loading was greater than 0.30. In the confirmatory factor analysis, all the goodness of fit indexes were greater than 0.87, and the root mean square error of approximation was less than 0.07. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of the scale was 0.92, with Cronbach’s alpha values ranging between 0.55 and 0.88 for the subscales. Conclusion: NCFQ was found to be a valid and reliable scale for the Turkish population.

Turkish Adaptation of Health Literacy Sensitive Communication Scale: A Validity and Reliability Study

PurposeThe objective of this study is to adapt the Health Literacy Sensitive Communication Scale (HL-COM) for Turkish society and to evaluate its validity and reliability. MethodThe scale's psychometric properties were evaluated including reliability and construct validity, through measures such as internal consistency, item-total correlation coefficients and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), respectively. A sample of 221 patients with diabetes was selected to participate in the study. FindingsThe HL-COM displayed satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha values.95) and time based stability (ICC values.98). Item-total score correlations revealed moderate associations between each item and the scale, with all items adequately representing the construct. The content validity index (CVI) was.93. According to the findings of confirmatory factor analysis obtained from the validity analysis, the fit index of the scale was found to be χ2/df =2,21 and the scale had a one factor structure. In addition, other good fit indexes of the model also show that the proposed model is acceptable [GFI=.94, RMSEA=.074, CFI=.98, AGFI=.90, NFI=.97] ConclusionThe findings indicate that Turkish version of the HL-COM is a valid and reliable instrument to assess the health sensitive communication proficiencies of healthcare professionals from the perspective of patients with diabetes.

Factors affecting seeking psychological and psychiatric support for Turkish society.

The increase in mental health issues and awareness among individuals, compared to previous times, has contributed to recognizing this as a significant public health issue. The necessity to explore potential factors behind mental health problems has become paramount and served as the primary impetus for the current research endeavor. This study aims to explore if there is a relationship between attitudes toward seeking psychological and psychiatric support. a significant relationship between sociodemographic factors and individuals' tendency to seek psychological and psychiatric help, and if so, in what direction are these relationships? and a significant relationship between individual and social factors and individuals' tendency to seek psychological and psychiatric help, and if so, in what direction are these relationships? Microdata from the Turkey Health Survey, conducted by the Turkish Statistical Institute and representative of Turkey, was used as the dataset. Increased the representative power of the data set over the universe by weighting the data set, and the Bivariate Probit Model was used to address the research questions. As a result of the study, various sociodemographic (gender, age, employment status, et al.), individual and social factors (general health status, participation in social activities, alcohol use et al.) may influence individuals' inclinations toward seeking psychological and psychiatric assistance. The research offers valuable insights for social policymakers and researchers into the behavioral tendencies of individuals seeking professional psychiatric help.

Examination of Turkish Culture and Customs before Islam: Outcomes and Implications

This article first investigates the activities, life, and significant role of Turkish peoples in the history of Central Asia and the Middle East before the arrival of Islam. Initially, Turks were introduced as one of the major influential groups in the Central Asian region, living a nomadic and pastoral lifestyle in the plain areas. The article secondly, explores various pre-Islamic religious beliefs and practices of the Turks, including Tengri or Tengrism (worship of natural forces), Buddhism, Manichaeism, Shamanism, and Zoroastrianism. In addition, the paper describes the Turks' strategic location with the key trade routes, Turkish customs such as the celebration of Nowruz, the nomadic lifestyle, and the wide range of handicrafts including metalwork, pottery, and weaving. The paper also slightly covers the different ethnic and historical origins of Turkish people, such as the Oghuz, Seljuks, Kipchaks, and Ottomans. Eventually, the article explains the tribal social structure of the Turks, the role of khans and traditional leaders in their societies, and the dominant feudal system before Islam.