As in all the world, learning English is a struggle that has been attributed great importance for many years in Turkey. The gradual reduction of the age of the onset of English education over the years is one of the clearest indicators of this. The present study aims to discuss the challenges experienced in Turkey in the learning and teaching process of English that is today used as a lingua franca almost all over the world and then the available opportunities that render this process easier. In this respect, the introduction of this study focuses on the historical development of foreign language teaching in general and teaching English in particular in Turkey. Also, the current situation is presented realistically with data demonstrating the products of English language teaching in Turkey. Then, challenging factors like Turkey’s being an English as a foreign language (EFL) country, deficiencies in teacher qualifications, that language learning is a demanding process that requires time and patience especially in EFL settings, the existing prejudices about the English language and the language learning process, that domestic English course books have not been able to attain a desired level in spite of some important steps taken, and that the assessment tools cannot be used effectively to support learning have been discussed in detail. Following challenges, facilitating factors like the current well-prepared English curricula that enhance learning English in Turkey, technological developments, unlimited accessible resources, English components that are readily available all around us in our daily lives, and increasing international projects that offer exchange programs have been extensively discussed. Some constructive suggestions have also been offered in the context of English language learning and teaching in Turkey.