Organized jointly by the Haydar Aliyev Center for Eurasian Studies at Ibn Haldun University and the Organization of Turkic States, the opening of the “2nd Turkic World Summer School: The Rise of the Turkic World” program took place at our university on Monday, June 23, 2025.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, our Board of Trustees Deputy Chairman, Necmeddin Bilal Erdoğan, referred to the “2040 Vision” of the Organization of Turkic States and said: “The 2040 Vision encompasses many areas of concern to the entire Turkic world. These are not limited to international relations or energy security alone. Transportation, economy, political cohesion, sociology—issues that affect all segments of the public—are part of this vision. As a university, we want to provide strong support for efforts in this area. The graduate program we plan to carry out in four countries is, in fact, a reflection of this vision.”
Continuing his remarks, Erdoğan emphasized the need for a new generation of intellectuals who know the Turkic world firsthand through education and experience, and stated: “Of course, the Turkic world is also a Red Apple, but achieving this goal depends on removing all borders between us. To overcome these boundaries, we must build friendships. Our dialogues must be strengthened. In the midst of today’s uncertainties—surrounded by China, Russia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa—the Turkic world needs to be equipped with dynamics that allow it to stand shoulder to shoulder and draw strength from one another. If there is to be a new paradigm in the post-Western world, one that promises more peace and stability and reestablishes international legal order, then the countries that believe in this must come together to speak and debate this new paradigm.”
Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Atilla Arkan, also emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in his speech and offered the following remarks: “One of the most important aspects of this regional cooperation is undoubtedly the development of intellectual leadership, intellectual capacity, and intellectual vision. As Ibn Haldun University, we continue to take steps toward establishing intellectual partnerships and bonds of fraternity with both the Turkic world and all nations of our shared cultural geography who seek goodness and justice. All these efforts offer paths to building the future and contributing to it through our own efforts.”
With the theme “The Rise of the Turkic World,” the 2nd Turkic World Summer School aims to explore the past, present, and future of the Turkic World from historical, political, economic, and cultural perspectives through sessions featuring expert speakers in their respective fields. The event, which welcomes participants from 27 different countries, is being hosted by our university between June 23–27, 2025.
