On Friday, September 6, 2024, the 4th International Balkan Studies Congress commenced at the International University of Sarajevo (IUS), marking the beginning of a significant event in the field of social sciences. Organized by the Balkan Studies Foundation and the Balkan Studies Centre of IUS, and supported by the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), International Balkan University, Istanbul Medeniyet University, and ILEM, this congress is an international platform dedicated to promoting interdisciplinary studies within the region.
The three-day event brings together more than 60 international participants from across the Balkan region, fostering a collaborative environment for academic interaction and the transfer of knowledge. With a primary focus on enhancing the quality of postgraduate studies, the congress aims to increase academic interaction and activity within the region by encouraging versatile communication and sharing experiences with young academicians.
The opening ceremony was highlighted by several key speeches that set the tone for the congress. Prof. Dr. Bujamin Bela, President of the Balkan Studies Congress, delivered the inaugural address, expressing his gratitude to IUS for hosting this prestigious event. He emphasized the importance of such gatherings in strengthening academic ties within the Balkans and thanked all participants for their contributions.
Dr. Sevba Abdula, Director of the Balkan Studies Foundation, followed with an opening speech that underscored the congress's core purpose: to facilitate scientific interaction, mobility, and knowledge production in the Balkans. His words resonated with the audience, highlighting the congress's role in fostering intellectual exchange and collaboration.
Prof. Dr. Faruk Bal, Dean of the Faculty of Political Sciences at Istanbul Medeniyet University, also took the stage, stressing the need to support Balkan studies and similar research efforts. He spoke of the importance of these studies in paving the way for international solutions to the challenges faced by the region.
Representing the host institution, IUS Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yıldırım warmly welcomed the participants and expressed his satisfaction with IUS hosting such a significant event. He emphasized the university's commitment to supporting scholarly endeavors that contribute to the region's intellectual and cultural growth.
The President of the IUS Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. Sevgi Kurtulmuş, presented the university’s achievements and highlighted its dedication to providing better opportunities for young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). She stressed that IUS is committed to playing a vital role in improving the future of BiH through education and research.
Finally, YTB President Mr. Abdullah Eren addressed the audience, calling for innovative solutions to the enduring challenges in the Balkan region. He emphasized the importance of educating the next generation of leaders who will be capable of addressing these issues and commended the congress for its role in this vital process.
The 4th International Balkan Studies Congress continues over the next two days, featuring numerous sessions and discussions that will contribute to the advancement of social sciences in the Balkans.
