The International Balkan Symposium, co-hosted by the International University of Sarajevo (IUS), officially opened on October 29, 2026, at the Gazi Husrev-beg Library in Sarajevo. Bringing together academics, researchers, institutional representatives, and distinguished guests, the two-day event focuses on the historical, cultural, social, political, and economic dimensions of the Western Balkans, particularly Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia.
The symposium was organized through cooperation among several academic institutions and organizations, including the International University of Sarajevo, Academy of Fine Arts of the University of Sarajevo, Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, Trakya University, Karabük University, Meyli Foundation, Edirne Governor's Office, Edirne Balkan Cities Cooperation Platform, Yunus Emre Mosque Foundation, and Mimar Sinan Foundation. The event aims to strengthen academic dialogue, encourage interdisciplinary research, and promote greater understanding of the region's shared history and contemporary challenges.
Opening Ceremony at the Gazi Husrev-beg Library
The opening ceremony on Thursday, October 29, featured welcoming addresses by prominent representatives of academic, cultural, and religious institutions.
Among the distinguished speakers were Prof. Dr. Ali Osman Kuşakcı, Rector of IUS; Prof. Dr. Coşkun Karaca, Vice-Rector of Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University; Prof. Dr. Müberra Gürgendereli, Dean of the Faculty of Letters at Trakya University; Mr. Dženan Handžić, Director of the Gazi Husrev-beg Library; Mehmet Keskin, President of the Yunus Emre Mosque Foundation; and Dr. Husein Kavazović, Grand Mufti (Reis-ul-ulema) of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The opening program continued with a panel discussion featuring Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bostancı, President of the Diyanet Academy; Prof. Dr. Ćazim Hadžimejlić, President of the Meyli Foundation; Dr. Nazif Yılmaz, Board of Trustees Member of the Türkiye Maarif Foundation; Ömer Yıldız, Vice President of the Yunus Emre Institute; and Gökhan Umut, TİKA Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The gathering provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on the region's cultural and historical connections, the importance of education, and opportunities for strengthening institutional and academic cooperation.
Academic Sessions Hosted at IUS
On Friday, October 30, the symposium continues at the IUS campus, where academics and researchers are presenting their work through parallel thematic sessions.
The program covers a broad range of interdisciplinary topics, including the historical development of the Western Balkans, cultural heritage, language and literature, education, economic policies, demographic change, healthcare, security, human rights, international relations, and civil society.
Particular attention is given to contemporary challenges such as migration, identity, social cohesion, post-war reconstruction, European integration, and the preservation of the region's cultural and architectural heritage. Presentations also explore developments in technology, artificial intelligence, and the historical and cultural connections between the Balkans and Türkiye.
The sessions provide a platform for scientific exchange, comparative research, and discussion, bringing together scholars from different institutions and academic backgrounds.
Strengthening Academic Dialogue and Regional Cooperation
By co-hosting the International Balkan Symposium and providing its campus for the academic sessions, IUS reaffirms its commitment to international academic cooperation, interdisciplinary research, and the exchange of knowledge.
The symposium contributes to a deeper understanding of the Western Balkans while encouraging new academic partnerships and strengthening connections between Bosnia and Herzegovina, Türkiye, and the wider international scholarly community.
