Publication Date: 27 October 2026
The Marmara TÜDES International Graduate Student Symposium, organized by Marmara University’s Institute of Turkic Studies and Department of Turkish Language and Literature, commenced on 27 October 2026 at the Dr. İbrahim Üzümcü Conference Hall on the Göztepe Campus. Bringing together graduate students from various universities, the symposium will continue through 28 October. The event aims to promote the sharing of scientific knowledge and ideas, foster a culture of academic discourse, and lay the groundwork for new interdisciplinary collaborations
Rector Okur: “The Primary Mission of Universities Is to Educate Highly Qualified Scholars”
Speaking at the opening of the Marmara TÜDES International Graduate Student Symposium, Marmara University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Okur emphasized that scientific research requires sustained effort and dedication, highlighting the strategic importance of supporting young researchers.Noting that one of the fundamental responsibilities of universities is to educate highly qualified scholars, Rector Okur expressed the University's readiness to provide all necessary support for graduate research. Highlighting the importance of Turkish language and Turkology studies in preserving cultural heritage and promoting the shared values of humanity, Prof. Dr. Okur also thanked the academics, students, and university staff who contributed to the organization of the symposium.
Stating the university's priority with the words "We have only one goal here: to serve the students", Rector Okur evaluated the cultural and universal value of Turkish by stating "Turkish is the voice of a conscience".
The Importance of Faculty Guidance in Academic Development Highlighted
Sharing her own experience of delivering her first paper presentation, Prof. Dr. Sebahat Deniz, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, spoke about the excitement and formative experiences that accompany the early stages of an academic career. She encouraged young researchers to benefit from their supervisors’ guidance and seek their feedback while preparing their research, noting that academic development is strengthened through experience. Expressing her belief that the symposium would help students define their academic goals and gain experience in presenting their research, she thanked everyone involved in organizing the event.
The Future of Turcology to Be Strengthened by Young Researchers
In his address, Prof. Dr. İlyas Kemaloğlu, Director of Marmara University’s Institute of Turkic Studies, highlighted the importance of Turcology in the international academic community and the contributions of young researchers to scholarly work. Referring to the Institute’s 35-year academic legacy, Prof. Dr. Kemaloğlu outlined ongoing efforts to expand international collaborations, support graduate students, and introduce new educational programmes. Stating that the goal is to make the symposium a traditional event, Director Kemaloğlu thanked the organizers and participants.
Symposium Aims to Strengthen Academic Collaboration Among Emerging Scholars
Prof. Dr. Mehmet Aça, Head of the Department of Turkish Language and Literature at Marmara University’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, expressed his pleasure at the organization of the symposium for the first time and voiced his hope that it would become a regular event. Emphasizing that the symposium aims to engage aspiring academics in the research process and bring together graduate students from different universities to foster intellectual exchange and academic solidarity, Prof. Dr. Aça thanked the university, institute, and faculty administrations for their contributions to the event.
The opening program concluded with a ceremonial gift presentation to Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Okur and a group photo session. The symposium will continue on 27–28 October with graduate students presenting papers on a range of research topics.
