The International University of Sarajevo (IUS) is honored to host and co-organize the 3rd International Symposium on Turkish Language Teaching and Turkology in the Balkans, held from November 13-15, 2024, with the theme “City, Culture, and Civilization: Balkans.” This significant event is a joint initiative of the Turkish Maarif Foundation, the University of New York Tirana (UNYT), the UNYT Balkan Research Centre, and IUS.
The opening ceremony took place on November 13, bringing together prominent national and international dignitaries. Distinguished guests included H.E. Sadık Babür Girgin, Turkish Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina; Prof. Dr. Birol Akgün, President of the Turkish Maarif Foundation; Mr. Adnan Delić, Minister of the FBiH Ministry of Labor and Social Policy; Prof. Dr. Ali Güneş, Rector of UNYT; Prof. Dr. Cemal Yıldız, Rector of the Turkish-German University; Prof. Dr. Ali Cengiz Köseoğlu, Rector of Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University (AYBU); Prof. Dr. Sevgi Kurtulmuş, Chairman of the IUS Board of Trustees; Mr. Hasan Topaloğlu, President of the Foundation for Education Development Sarajevo (SEDEF); and Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yıldırım, Rector of IUS, along with other esteemed attendees.
Prof. Dr. Birol Akgün delivered the opening speech, emphasizing the significance of such events in connecting diverse cultures and enhancing understanding of language, heritage, and cultural exchange. Following him, Prof. Dr. Ali Güneş, UNYT Rector, highlighted how symposiums of this kind foster discussions on new perspectives and opportunities in language learning, while also strengthening ties among educational institutions in the Balkans.
Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yıldırım, IUS Rector, welcomed participants and extended his wishes for successful sessions and a fruitful exchange of knowledge. Prof. Dr. Sevgi Kurtulmuş, Chairman of the IUS Board of Trustees, emphasized IUS’s commitment to continuous advancements in infrastructure and expanding learning opportunities for students.
H.E. Sadık Babür Girgin, Turkish Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, congratulated the Turkish Maarif Foundation for organizing the symposium, underscoring the event’s importance not only in Turkish language and Turkology studies but also in Balkan studies.
The keynote speech was delivered by Prof. Dr. Mustafa İsen, who explored the contributions of Bosniaks to the development of Rumelian civilization, noting Bosniak figures whose work has shaped history and enriched understanding of Turkish heritage.
The symposium will address a wide range of elements contributing to city culture and civilization in the Balkans, encompassing architecture, music, language and literature, social and cultural life, foundations, and arts within the context of Balkan cities.
