Third Turkic World Summer Forum “The Future of the Turkic World'

Overview

In an era marked by shifting global dynamics, regional cooperation, and identity-based partnerships have become essential mechanisms for stability, peace, and progress. The Turkic World, uniting diverse states and societies from the Balkans to Central Asia, has emerged as a vital regional actor, contributing to global peace, connectivity, and development.

Recent geopolitical challenges have underscored the need for deeper collaboration among Turkic nations through shared institutions and cultural linkages. Building upon this vision, the Third Turkic World Summer Forum, themed “The Future of the Turkic World” invites scholars, practitioners, and students to engage in an interdisciplinary dialogue on the evolving political, economic, cultural, and technological landscape of the Turkic region. We held two Turkic World Summer Schools in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Beginning in 2026, the Turkic World Summer School will be renamed the Turkic World Summer Forum.

Following the success of the First and Second Turkic World Schools organized by Ibn Haldun University, this year’s Forum aims to consolidate academic exchange, foster research networks, and promote policy-oriented discussions on sustainable cooperation within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) and other regional mechanisms.

Forum Themes and Focus Areas

Participants are encouraged to submit proposals addressing, but not limited to, the following themes for lectures, simulations, debates, workshops, roundtables, and panels:

1. Historical and Civilizational Perspectives

1. Continuities and Transformations in Turkic Civilizations

2. Comparative State Traditions and Governance Models

3. Memory, Identity, and Modern Nation-Building: Case of Jadidism and Alash Orda

4. Heritage Diplomacy and the Politics of Historical Narrative   

5. Legacy and Contemporary Relevance of the 1926 Baku Turkology Congress

2. Politics, Governance, and Security

1. Strategic Autonomy and Collective Security in the Turkic World

2. Political Institutions, Governance, and Democratic Development

3. Regional Conflict Management and Peacebuilding Mechanisms

4. European Union–Türkiye–Central Asia Relations: Balancing Interests and Influence

5. Changing Global and Regional Orders: Consequences for the Turkic World

3. Economy, Energy, and Connectivity

1. Economic Integration and Trade Corridors in the Turkic Region

2. The Middle Corridor: Geoeconomics, Transport, and Energy Security

3. Green Transition and Sustainable Development in Central Eurasia

4. Investment, Innovation, and Private Sector Collaboration

5. Digital Transformation and Economic Modernization

4. Society, Culture, and Soft Power

1. Cultural Renaissance and Alphabet and Language Policies

2. Civil Society, Institutions, and Participatory Governance

3. Education, Youth, and Digital Transformation in the Turkic World

4. Media, Communication, and Cultural Diplomacy

5. Diasporas and Transnational Turkic Identity

5. Future Visions and Global Outlook

1. Vision 2040 and the Future of the Organization of Turkic States

2. Artificial Intelligence, Algorithms, and Policy-Making in the Turkic World

3. Technology, Digital Governance, and Knowledge Economies

4. Climate Change and Environmental Resilience in the Turkic World

5. Strategy, Solidarity, and Sustainability: Prospects for a Shared Future

Forum Objectives

• Advance Academic Understanding of the Turkic World through interdisciplinary research and teaching.

• Develop Professional Capacity for scholars, policy experts, and practitioners engaged in regional affairs.

• Strengthen Institutional Cooperation among OTS member and observer states through joint academic platforms.

• Promote Global Awareness of the Turkic World’s role in regional and international politics.

• Encourage Youth and Scholarly Engagement through policy-relevant, forward-looking discussions.

Both young and senior academicians are strongly encouraged to apply and contribute to the dialogue.

About the Program

The Third Turkic World Summer Forum will feature a combination of lectures, simulations, debates, workshops, panels, and roundtables, complemented by cultural and networking activities. The event will take place from July 6 to July 15, 2026, at Ibn Haldun University, Istanbul.

• Duration: 10 days (lectures, debates, simulations, workshops, panels, and cultural program)

• Language Policy: Lecturers may use English or one of the following languages: Azerbaijani, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Turkish, or Uzbek. However, all PowerPoint slides and written materials must be in English.

• Tuition Fee: None (sponsored by Ibn Haldun University)

• Accommodation & Meals: Provided by Ibn Haldun University (on-campus dormitories and dining facilities)

• Travel: Participants are responsible for covering their own international travel and local transportation.

• Cultural Activities: Guided visits and cultural experiences in Istanbul, including a Bosphorus tour and excursions to key historical landmarks.

• Field Tours: TRT World as an example.

Call for Lecturers and Participants

1. For Prospective Lecturers and Contributors

This track is designed for scholars, researchers, and professionals who wish to deliver lectures or participate in workshops, debates, or panel discussions.

• Submission Requirement: An original academic article (5,000-15,000 words) related to one of the forum's themes.

• Formatting: Submissions must use the Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition) with endnotes.

• Publication: The best articles will be selected for both presentation at the forum and publication in a book or report.

• Application Materials:

1. Complete Application Form

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

3. Original Article (5,000-15,000 words)

• Submission Deadline: February 1, 2026

• Notification of Acceptance: February 15, 2026

• Applications and inquiries should be sent to: