This study aims to explore the metaphorical perceptions of prospective Turkish language teachers regarding the concepts of “teacher” and “Turkish language teaching” designed as a qualitative study, the research was conducted during the 2025-2026 academic year with the participation of 131 prospective Turkish language teachers enrolled at Kafkas University. The data were analyzed to identify the meanings attributed by the participants to these concepts. The findings revealed 86 different metaphors related to the concept of teacher, with “sun,” “light,” and “candle” being the most frequently used. These metaphors were grouped into 14 categories such as “guide,” “source of knowledge,” and “multidimensional profession.” Regarding the Turkish language teaching profession, 96 metaphors were identified, among which “dictionary,” “book,” and “tree root” were prominent. While most of the 13 categories overlapped with general teacher perceptions, some branch-specific views such as “source of motivation,” “leadership,” “boring,” and “vital profession” also emerged. Overall, the candidates described both concepts positively, emphasizing guidance, knowledge transfer, and self-sacrifice through concrete images.

Turkish teacher candidates, concept of teacher, metaphorical perception, Turkish teaching.