The International University of Sarajevo (IUS) had the honor of welcoming H.E. Emin Akseki, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Bosnia and Herzegovina, for his inaugural visit to the University on Monday, May 19, 2025.
Ambassador Akseki was cordially greeted by the IUS Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yıldırım, Vice-Rector for General Affairs, Mr. Muhammed Yasir Göz, MA, and IUS Secretary General, Mr. İbrahim İnal. The visit began with a guided tour of the University’s main campus facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories, modern classrooms, and the university library. The Ambassador was impressed by the academic infrastructure and the dynamic learning environment IUS offers to both local and international students.
As part of his visit, the Ambassador was also introduced to the ongoing activities of the cultural heritage project titled “In the Footsteps of Evliya Çelebi: Ottoman Heritage in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” implemented in cooperation between the IUS Balkan Research Centre and the Department of Hospitality and Tourism management of the Embassy of the Republic of Turkiye to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Project memorabilia and key highlights were presented, demonstrating the University's commitment to preserving and promoting shared cultural values through research, education, and cross-border cooperation.
Additionally, Ambassador Akseki visited the BalkanNews studio located at IUS, where he was introduced to their daily work in providing up-to-date news and analysis about current events in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider Balkan region. The BalkanNews platform plays an important role in delivering relevant and timely information to audiences in Türkiye, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and across the Balkans, strengthening the flow of regional news and fostering informed dialogue.
During the meeting, Ambassador Akseki expressed his full support for the mission and vision of IUS. He commended the University’s efforts in delivering high-quality education and fostering international collaboration—especially through its joint double diploma programs with leading universities in Türkiye.
He also extended his best wishes for the success of the newly established Faculty of Medical Sciences at IUS, which is set to launch General and Dental Medicine programs in collaboration with the University of Health Sciences in Türkiye, as part of a joint double diploma initiative.
The visit concluded in a spirit of mutual appreciation and a shared commitment to deepening educational and cultural cooperation between Türkiye and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
