Photoluminescent turbostratic boron nitride (t-BN) powders can be easily synthesized from NaBF4 and NaNH2 via a facile benzene-thermal process at 260 degrees C. The prepared samples were characterized by XRD, XPS, FTIR, PL, TEM, and HRTEM. The possible active intermediates (BF3 and Na3N) are believed to be responsible for the growth of t-BN under mild conditions.