Image of Turkey in the minds of Turks

Abstract

Country image, being an integral part of a country, tremendously affects people's perceptions, preferences and decisions about that country, itself, its products and people. It can be identified and can change over time. Once the image of a country is defined, strategies to manage that image, whether to change the existing image or to create a new one, can be developed. In this study, The image of Turkey, a developing country, in the minds of Turks is explored. It is measured in tenns of thoughts, feelings, perceptions and attitudes, and compared with Europeans' perceived image of Turkey. After defining the image of Turkey, some strategi~s how to manage it are suggested.