The 2nd International Anatolian Symposium on Academic Studies, organized by the International Center for Strategic Studies (Uluslararası Stratejik Araştırmalar Merkezi – USAR), was held at the International University of Sarajevo (IUS) on August 26–27, 2026, bringing together a large international academic community under the theme “The Balkans in a Changing World: Multidimensional Approaches and Interdisciplinary Perspectives.”
Hosted by IUS with the aim of strengthening academic and cultural cooperation between Türkiye and the Balkans, the symposium gathered 25 university rectors and vice-rectors, 525 academics, and numerous guests from Türkiye and other countries. Distinguished participants included H.E. Emin Akseki, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Bosnia and Herzegovina; Asst. Prof. Dr. Abdullah Akmaz, Chairman of the Board of the International Center for Strategic Studies (Uluslararası Stratejik Araştırmalar Merkezi - USAR); Salih Turhan, President of the Anatolian Youth Association (Anadolu Gençlik Derneği – AGD); Samir Šibonjić, Minister of Economy of the Zenica-Doboj Canton; Mehmet Fatih Öztoprak, Vice President of Cihannüma Association; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ebubekir Ceylan, President of Academics and Authors Association of Islamic Countries (AYBİR). Across the two-day program, 340 papers were presented in person and online through 50 parallel sessions.
Opening the symposium, IUS Rector Prof. Dr. Ali Osman Kuşakcı highlighted Sarajevo’s unique position as a city shaped by centuries of cultural, religious and civilizational interaction, describing it as a natural meeting point for international and interdisciplinary academic dialogue.
He also emphasized IUS’s commitment to quality in education and research, noting that the University is institutionally accredited by the Agency for Development of Higher Education and Quality Assurance of Bosnia and Herzegovina (HEA) and holds a five-year international institutional accreditation from the Turkish Higher Education Quality Council (YÖKAK), making IUS the first university outside Türkiye to receive this recognition.
Rector Kuşakcı further pointed to the University’s international quality credentials, including the EAQUALS accreditation of the IUS English Language School and ASIIN accreditation of six programs within the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, while also noting upcoming evaluation processes with FIBAA and AQAS.
“International University of Sarajevo is always ready to contribute to the academic development of Bosnia and Herzegovina and to build strong and sustainable partnerships with universities, institutions and scholars in Türkiye and around the world,” Rector Kuşakcı said.
The academic program addressed a broad range of disciplines, including politics, history, culture, engineering, education and regional studies. Among the highlighted topics were the history and independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the intellectual legacy of Alija Izetbegović, Balkan identity, cultural heritage, migration, sustainability, regional relations and contemporary social issues.
Alongside the academic sessions, participants also explored the region’s shared cultural and historical heritage through visits to Baščaršija, the Kovači Martyrs’ Cemetery and the Tunnel of Hope in Sarajevo, as well as Konjic, Blagaj and Mostar.
The symposium concluded with discussions focused on strengthening scientific cooperation between Anatolia and the Balkans and creating new opportunities for sustainable inter-university partnerships, joint research and academic exchange.
