The purpose of the study, giving rise to this article is to highlight factors that play a role in the identification of gifted students through analysis of literature and current issues in Turkey. The article points out differences between what is typically found in literature and what occurs in Turkey. It is based on a review of definitions and data presented by national institutions and programs in addition to available results of research studies. Reviews show that while many issues presented in the literature are similar, many contextual issues pertain to Turkey and other collectivist, highly populated countries, which subscribe to an understanding of education which is uniform and reliant upon high stakes examinations.