Organized by the Faculty of Communication at Marmara University under the title “Public Diplomacy and Turkey in the Age of Transformation,” the “1st Public Diplomacy Symposium” (KADİS) began on Friday, May 9, with an opening ceremony held in the Dr. İbrahim Üzümcü Hall. The ceremony was attended by the Rector of Marmara University Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kurt, Rector of Anadolu University Prof. Dr. Yusuf Adıgüzel, faculty members, representatives from the media and communication sectors, and students.
The ceremony commenced with introductory remarks delivered by the Chair of the KADİS Organizing Committee, Assoc. Prof. Samet Kavoğlu, and the Dean of the Faculty of Communication at Marmara University, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Babacan. These were followed by formal addresses.
Professor Dr. Mustafa Kurt, Rector, stated that Turkey has become highly proficient in the implementation of public diplomacy policies.
In his opening speech at the symposium, Rector of Marmara University Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kurt stated that this symposium, organized under the leadership of the Faculty of Communication at Marmara University, is a strategic step that is not confined to the university but contributes to the national communication and foreign policy vision. He expressed that Turkey’s steps in foreign policy, energy, defense, and tourism have combined with elements of soft power, thereby increasing the capacity for public diplomacy. Rector Prof. Dr. Kurt emphasised the Directorate of Communications' pivotal role in this area, delivering the following remarks on the subject:
“Turkey, as one of the countries with the most misconceptions, prejudiced information, impressions, and perceptions created about it in the global public opinion, has become quite skilled in public diplomacy policies to achieve goals such as restoring its image and promoting itself. The Directorate of Communications, established in 2018, plays a pivotal role in this regard, focusing on cultivating a robust 'Turkey brand' through strategic initiatives.
Rector Kurt noted that the symposium, with its interdisciplinary content, covers a wide range from intellectual foundations to digital applications, and stated that in this way, young people will take active roles in new-generation diplomacy and strategic communication around the axes of narrative, trust, and dialogue. Expressing that this process will contribute to making Turkey more visible and effective on a global scale, Rector Kurt concluded his speech by wishing that the event would become an inspiring platform for all participants.
Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Adıgüzel stated that public diplomacy is not merely a communication strategy, but also a process of building reputation and influence.
Beginning his opening speech by expressing his pleasure in attending this symposium as a graduate of the Faculty of Communication Sciences, Rector of Anadolu University Prof. Dr. Yusuf Adıgüzel stated that KADİS offers an important platform for both scholars and practitioners. Emphasizing that today’s public diplomacy practices have evolved into a communication-based, multi-actor, and long-term strategic process, unlike classical diplomacy, Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Adıgüzel stated that public diplomacy is now not just a communication strategy, but also a process in which a country builds its reputation and spheres of influence in the public opinion of other countries.
Stating that Anadolu University assumes an important role in the educational dimension of public diplomacy, Rector Prof. Dr. Adıgüzel announced that with the soon-to-be-launched “Turkish Language and Culture” associate degree program, recently approved by the Council of Higher Education, they will offer Turkish Language and Culture education to students around the world through the Open Education Faculty. Expressing that they aim to increase international students’ interest in Turkey with this program, Rector Adıgüzel concluded his speech by sharing his belief that they will thus make a strong contribution to public diplomacy.
Prominent Figures from the World of Media and Communication Spoke at the Opening Panels
Following the opening and protocol speeches of the symposium, which will be held over two days on May 9–10, two panels were held under the title “Panorama of Turkey’s Public Diplomacy.” In these panels, administrators and academics from institutions such as the Presidential Directorate of Communications, Anadolu Agency, TRT, Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities, Yunus Emre Institute, and the Turkish Maarif Foundation evaluated the institutional dimensions of public diplomacy. In the final session of the day, an intellectual session titled “Public Diplomacy in the Age of Transformation” was held with the participation of academics from different universities.
The second and final day of the symposium will be held online on May 10. In these sessions, which include ten different panels covering various topics from theory to practice, subjects such as cultural diplomacy, diaspora diplomacy, digital media, international broadcasting, environmental diplomacy, science and sports diplomacy, and nation branding will be discussed by many academics.
