Recent changes, competition, and conflicts in international relations have shaken the existing political and economic system. The current uncertain circumstances require states to develop a strategic vision to act together through regional intergovernmental organizations based on shared identity, mutual interests, joint security, and possible opportunities. Therefore, with its many uncertainties, the present international system has accentuated the need to render more effective, cooperative, and representative ways to cater to the needs of all societies and states worldwide. Regional actors such as regional organizations can play an essential role in support of much-needed global and regional efforts to create a peaceful atmosphere. The Turkic World, a combination of Turkic states and societies, can be a regional setting that can assist in creating a peaceful and harmonious environment around the world.
The Turkic World, a diverse and rapidly changing region, encompasses countries with rich cultural, political, and economic histories. To truly understand the Turkic World, we must approach it from an interdisciplinary perspective. This is the unique approach of the Turkic World Summer School, which offers a comprehensive understanding of the region from various academic disciplines.
Since its establishment in 2009, the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States or Turkic Council has gained strength from Turkic nations' commonalities in language, culture, and shared history. This has provided a reasonable basis for the gradual institutionalization of cooperation among its member states to evolve into a regional organization with an independent legal personality and a core multilateral platform of regular dialogue, consultations, and collaboration among its member states on issues of common interest. For that reason, the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) was established by the member states of the Turkic Council in November 2021.
Considering the necessity of contributing to developing comprehensive regional governance and inclusive society through cooperation and solidarity among the Turkic states and their institutions, Ibn Haldun University (Türkiye) took the initiative to organize the first "Turkic World" Summer School. We believe this initiative will endeavor to function as a positive and increasingly capable platform ready to engage all interested partners. We are also willing to cooperate constructively towards attaining regional and international peace, stability, and prosperity among Turkic people through strengthening educational projects and people-to-people interaction. Therefore, the Summer School on the Turkic World is designed to provide participants with a broad and in-depth understanding of the organization, its people, and its culture. The focus of the 2024 Summer School is "A New Era for the Turkic World." The program will cover a wide range of topics, including:
Overview of Regional Studies with a Special Focus on the Turkic World
Geography and History of Turkic World
Political, Economic, and Social Developments in the Turkic World
Cultural, Historical, and Linguistic Aspects of the Turkic World
The Role of the Turkic World in Regional and Global Affairs
The Impact of Global Events and Trends on the Turkic World
Structure and Functions of Organization of Turkic States
2040 Vision and Future of the Turkic World
Other Integration and Cooperation Activities in Eurasia
Relations between Neighboring Countries and the Turkic World
Energy and Transportation Corridors in the Region
Environmental and Ecological Challenges and Opportunities in the Turkic World
The Role of Technology and Digitalization in Shaping the Future of the Turkic World
The Future of Turkic World: Opportunities and Pitfalls
The Turkic World School is a pace-setter training program that cooperates with Ibn Haldun University and OTS. The program offers comprehensive knowledge and experience of experts and speakers in different fields of social sciences. In other words, the Summer School will bring scholars, experts, and students from various disciplines to engage in interdisciplinary discussions and activities.
Addressing the issues of the Turkic World, the program aims at bringing together participants who wish to probe into and specialize in the Turkic World from Central Europe to Central Asia and the member states of the OTS, together with the respective government and private sector executives, academicians, international policymakers. This Summer School is not just about learning, but about personal and professional growth. You will have the opportunity to learn from leading experts in the field, interact with your peers from different countries and cultural backgrounds, and evaluate the Turkic World and issues related to it from a multi-disciplined and multi-faceted perspective, thereby broadening your horizons and enhancing your skills.
The Summer School will consist of lectures, seminars, discussions, and cultural activities designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the Turkic World. The program will be held in Istanbul from 29 July to 7 August 2024.
The Objectives of the Summer School can be listed as follows:
To provide the participants with a 360-degree perspective that a whole picture of the Turkic World implicates various subfields of the Turkic World.
To promote the training of competent specialists in the Turkic World and to contribute to the training of professional staff members with a comprehensive knowledge of the Turkic World.
To materialize an effective platform that brings together the government and civil society executives, academicians, international policymakers, and experts together with the participants who wish to specialize in the Turkic World.
To inform participants and the public about the Vision of OTS and promote OTS activities and cooperation among the member states as well as institutions of higher education.
At the end of the Summer Schools, participants who attend all lectures and panels will receive a certificate from the Summer School, which Ibn Haldun University and the Organization of Turkic States arrange.
The program offers comprehensive knowledge and experience of more than 15 experts and speakers in 42 lecture hours and four panels. Between 29 July and 7 August 2024, 42 lecture hours and four panels will be conducted, and cultural events will occur on the weekend.
Venue: Ibn Haldun University (Istanbul, Türkiye)
Date: 29 July-7 August 2024
Duration: The Summer School is designed to provide two lectures per day (6 academic hours), 42 hours of lectures, and four panels within ten days.
No Tuition Fee: Turkic World School, which will be conducted in cooperation with Ibn Haldun University and the Organization of Turkic States, is free this year. There is no tuition fee.
Accommodation and Meals: Ibn Haldun University will provide meals and lodging in the university dormitory during the Summer School.
Travel and Transportation: Participants are responsible for their own traveling and domestic transportation to and from the university.
Instructors: The courses will be taught by scholars, experts, and diplomats with extensive experience. Those participants of the Summer School who are experts on the topics mentioned above, if they can indicate their expertise through their written works (peer-reviewed academic article, book, or report), may also be considered for lecturer positions.
Eligibility: The main targeted groups are graduate students (MA, PhD), postdoc researchers, faculty members, public administrators and diplomats, press members, private sector employees, NGO officials from the OTS member and observer states, as well as scholars and professionals from all disciplines who are interested in the Turkic World. A good command of English is required.
Application Process: To apply, interested participants should submit a completed application form, upload a CV, and a motivation letter by 30 June 2024. A selection committee will review the application, and successful applicants will be notified by 01 July 2024.
We welcome you to this exciting and enriching Summer School in the Turkic World!
