International Congress of Turkey and the Balkans were held at the International University of Sarajevo (IUS) between 15 and 17 May 2015. The congress is organized with support of IUS Balkan Studies Center (BSC) and BALKAR Center of Yildiz Technical University from Turkey. IUS Rector Prof. Dr. Yücel Oğurlu opened the congress with welcoming speech along with Director of the Balkan Studies Center (BSC), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Çaksu. Keynote speakers at the congress were Director of BALKAR Center of Yildiz Technical University from Turkey, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Hacısalihoğlu and Dr. Selmo Cikotić, Country Manager of BIGMEV Foundation.
The Congress aimed to support and talk about similarities of Balkans, connection with other countries, the socio-political sphere, neo Ottomanism, economic development, as well as geopolitical situation in the period of the old and new order in Europe and beyond. During the congress facts about Balkans as geographical area and center that brings together three largest monotheistic religions, Christianity, Islam and Judaism have been discussed, as well as how this had an impact on the further development of the countries in this region. In addition to above mentioned keynote speakers and lecturers, the Congress was attended by other eminent professors and academics from IUS as well.
