The struggle to develop nursing research in Turkey

Background: Little is known internationally about nursing research in Turkey. The development of nursing research would, however, provide a distinctive perspective on health needs and service provision. To understand the development of nursing research in Turkey, the development of nursing research in other countries might be analysed. Aim: To describe the development of nursing research and education in Turkey in a European context. Findings: The evolution of nursing research in Europe is discussed and the importance of setting nursing research priorities described. Different countries in the world are then examined for the development of nursing research and priorities. Finally, the development of nursing education, nursing research and priorities in Turkey are analysed and discussed in the context of the political and social background. Conclusion: The development of Turkish nursing research may still be in sufficient in relation to the development of nursing research in Europe, but it is following global developments. Over the past years, there has been an increased interest in nursing research and Turkish nurses work hard to produce work for international publication.