This chapter traces the historical evolution of foreign language education in Türkiye, focusing on English. The analysis spans the Ottoman Empire’s interactions with neighboring civilizations to the modern-day Republic of Türkiye. It explores how geopolitical, cultural, and economic factors shaped language priorities over time, including the prominence of Arabic and Persian due to Islamic influence and the subsequent dominance of French in the Ottoman Empire’s Westernization efforts. The chapter delves into the socio-political contexts that elevated English as a significant foreign language, from missionary schools and diplomatic needs during the late Ottoman period to Türkiye’s strategic alliances with the United States post-World War II. It examines key reforms, such as the Alphabet Reform and the 1924 Tevhid-i Tedrisat Law, which unified education under state control while modernizing curricula to include Western languages. The chapter highlights the role of institutions like Anatolian High Schools in promoting English and the challenges of globalization, international alliances, and socio-political shifts. By connecting historical trends to contemporary educational practices, the chapter provides a nuanced understanding of the socio-political drivers behind the evolution of English-language education in Türkiye.