Although medical education in the Republic of Turkey appears to be relatively new, there is almost 500 years of background development within the Anatolian region. Turkey has faced many difficulties in its past and present times, related to its vast and diverse geography, its crowded population, and the many ethnic groups that constitute its population. As in many other countries throughout the world, medical education in Turkey has recently been debated, reviewed and renewed. This article gives a general overview of the history of medical education and the present situation in Turkish medical schools; the quality and professionalism of medical education within the medical system, from the perspectives of undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing medical education; and an overview of the challenges and opportunities that presently exist.