On Friday, December 20, 2024, the IUS Matrakçı Workshop, part of the project titled "Workshops of Thought, Science, and Technology Matrakçı" and supported by the Ministry of National Education of Turkey, was officially opened at the IUS Research and Development Center (RDC).
The workshop was opened by the Deputy Minister of National Education of Turkey, Mr. Ömer Faruk Yelkenci, Turkish Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, H.E. Sadık Babür Girgin, Director of the Istanbul National Education Office, Mr. Murat Mücahit Yentür, General Director of European Union and Foreign Relations at the Ministry of National Education, Ms. Tuba Korkmaz, Deputy Governor at the Ministry of National Education, Mr. Mustafa Kaya and IUS Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yıldırım.
In addition, the ceremony was attended by the Educational Counsellor at the Turkish Embassy in Sarajevo, Mr. Faruk Berat Akçeşme, Director of the Yunus Emre Institute in Sarajevo, Dr. Mehmet Akif Yaman, IUS Vice-Rector for General Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Muhammed Yasir Göz, Acting Director of the IUS RDC, Ms. Šejla Džakmić, and other officials from the Turkish Ministry of National Education and the Turkish Embassy in Sarajevo, as well as other guests.
Nasuh Matrakçı, born in the 16th century in Visoko, Bosnia and Herzegovina, was educated and worked at the courts of several Ottoman sultans during the golden age of the empire. He is recognized as one of the most prominent chroniclers of that period, leaving behind significant works in mathematics, military strategy, literature, cartography, art, and calligraphy.
In 2014, UNESCO declared it the Year of Nasuh Matrakçı, a master of calligraphy, miniatures, and history, who was also involved in sports, particularly the game "matrak," from which he derived his name.
The workshops within this important project, also supported by the Istanbul Education Office, are equipped with materials to help students enhance their skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
In addition to Sarajevo, workshops have been established in Zenica, Tuzla, Živinice, Novi Travnik, and Mostar.
