3rd International Symposium on Turkish Language Teaching and Turkology begins in Sarajevo
Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is hosting the “3rd International Symposium on Turkish Language Teaching and Turkology in the Balkans.” Organized by the Turkish Maarif Foundation (TMF) with support from Tiran New York University, TIKA, Yunus Emre Institute, and the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), the event is taking place at the International University of Sarajevo (IUS).
Prominent Participants and Keynote Speakers
The opening ceremony was attended by Adnan Delic, Minister of Labor and Social Policy of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Turkey’s Ambassador to Sarajevo, Sadık Babür Girgin, and academics from various universities.
In his address, Ambassador Girgin emphasized Türkiye’s historical role in the Balkans, highlighting the importance of cultural initiatives in strengthening bilateral ties. He also referenced the IUS project, Tracing Ottoman Monuments in Bosnia and Herzegovina Through Evliya Çelebi’s Journeys.
Theme: City, Culture, and Civilization
This year’s theme, “City, Culture, and Civilization: The Balkans,” aims to explore the region’s cultural heritage through the lens of Turkish language and literature. TMF President Prof. Dr. Birol Akgün underscored the symposium’s mission to deepen cultural connections and promote Turkish language teaching in the Balkans.
Outcomes and Expectations
The symposium, which concludes on November 15, provides a platform for academic collaboration in Turkology. With sessions focusing on the cultural richness of Balkan cities, it is expected to further strengthen Türkiye’s cultural and academic ties with the region.
