In the heart of Antalya’s Manavgat district, there’s a man who has turned his passion for languages into an extraordinary talent. Cuma Turhan, a 56-year-old jewelry shop worker, is not just your average local; he is a polyglot who can speak 11 different languages fluently. What makes his story even more inspiring is that he learned all of these languages without ever receiving formal education in them.

Born in 1969 in the small village of Kaleköy in Kayseri’s Develi district, Cuma faced many challenges early in life. Losing his father at a young age, he had to navigate life’s difficulties on his own. Forced to drop out of school in second grade, Cuma started working at the age of 13. Despite the odds, he developed an insatiable curiosity for languages, a passion that would become his life’s calling.

From Humble Beginnings to a Love for Languages

Cuma’s journey into language learning began during his early years working in the tourism sector in Ürgüp. While washing dishes, he would listen intently to the foreign tourists around him, absorbing snippets of English, German, and other languages. “I had never seen a tourist before. When I met Japanese tourists, something inside me sparked,” he recalls. He started learning foreign words by writing them down on his hands, a technique that would serve him well in the years to come.

As Cuma’s curiosity grew, so did his proficiency in languages. He never attended formal classes but learned by listening, observing, and asking questions. His determination led him to Antalya in 1986, where he worked a variety of jobs, from hotel reception to restaurant service. Eventually, in 1996, he settled in Side, a picturesque town that captured his heart. “I love the warmth and intimacy of Side. I don’t like big cities, and I felt at home here,” he says with a smile.

A Natural Gift for Communication

Today, Cuma can speak English, German, Swedish, Italian, Dutch, and French as if they were his native tongues. He also communicates effortlessly in Norwegian, Russian, Spanish, and Polish. His linguistic talent doesn’t stop there; he is also fluent in Kurdish. When asked about his love for languages, Cuma explains, “If I could, I would learn 20 to 30 languages. I love learning new words, and every language opens up new doors of understanding.”

Though he finds Russian to be a bit challenging, Cuma is particularly drawn to European languages. He believes that once you master one language, others become easier. “When you learn German, Dutch becomes easier. After mastering Turkish, it’s easy to communicate with Azerbaijanis and Kyrgyz people,” he says. His curiosity doesn’t stop with European languages; Cuma is eager to learn Aramaic and Greek, and he’s always on the lookout for new languages to explore.

A Warm Connection with Tourists

Working in Side, Cuma has built strong connections with tourists from all over the world. He believes the German tourists are the warmest, with many returning to Turkey year after year. “Some Germans visit Turkey 20 or 30 times. Their love for Turkish culture is so deep that some even get Turkish flag tattoos,” Cuma shares.

However, he notes that some nationalities are more reserved. French and Dutch tourists, for example, tend to be more formal, and while the French may speak English, they prefer to use their native language. “The English tourists are generally more distant,” he adds, highlighting the cultural differences he has encountered over the years.

The Decline of Young Talent in Tourism

Despite his passion for his work, Cuma is concerned about the future of the tourism industry. “There’s a lack of interest among the younger generation in pursuing careers in tourism. I find it difficult to train apprentices, and many young people aren’t interested in working in sales,” he says. He believes that the tourism sector has a promising future but fears that without new talent, the industry will struggle.

An Endless Thirst for Knowledge

In his free time, Cuma immerses himself in learning about world cultures, history, and culinary traditions. Instead of watching movies, he prefers to watch documentaries, exploring everything from the street food of China to the traditional flavors of Urfa. His curiosity knows no bounds. “I’m always learning. I want to understand the world better, and languages are the key to doing that,” he says.

Cuma’s journey is a testament to the power of determination and curiosity. Through his love for languages, he has connected with people from all corners of the globe and enriched his own life in ways that many could only dream of. His story is a reminder that with passion, perseverance, and a little creativity, anything is possible.