>>215736934
Since the modernizers of the country and the founders of the republic (See: Jeunes-Turcs) were always France-educated and fluent French speakers, historically speaking, France was considered the center of high culture in Turkey (and elsewhere until English became the dominant intellectual language).

That kind of stuck with many people in Turkey; French is considered posh, and France is regarded as the main country to look up to in a sort of meme way. Of course, sadly, today the relationship between France and Turkey is bad.

Unfortunately, I can't speak French, and unless I do, I will always envy French speakers.

>Have you been to France?
Oh yes