The international symposium titled “Diplomatic Relations of the Ottoman State with the Golden Horde and Its Successor Khanates”, organized in cooperation with the Marmara University Institute of Turkic Studies, the Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBİTAK/TÜBA), and the Bahçeşehir University Center for Civilization Studies, was held on November 5, 2026, at Marmara University’s Göztepe Campus.
The symposium brought together numerous academics and students from Türkiye and abroad. The opening addresses were delivered by Marmara University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Okur, Turkish Academy of Sciences Member Prof. Dr. Ahmet Cevat Acar, and Director of Marmara University’s Institute of Turkic Studies Prof. Dr. İlyas Kemaloğlu.
Rector Okur: “Marmara University Is the Ideal Venue for This Symposium”
In his opening address, Marmara University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Okur highlighted the significance of the symposium for the Turkic World and academic research, drawing attention to the important role undertaken by the Institute of Turkic Studies.
Emphasising the significance of holding the symposium in Istanbul and at Marmara University, Rector Okur remarked, “I believe this meeting is taking place in the most suitable location, in the most suitable city, and at the most suitable university Addressing the historical legacy and future prospects of the Turkic World, Prof. Dr. Okur said, “Mission means drawing strength from our past, while vision means our perspective on the future.”Okur concluded his speech by expressing confidence that the event would yield valuable contributions to the academic community and wishing for its continued success.
Relations Between the Golden Horde and the Ottoman Empire Examined
Director of Marmara University’s Institute of Turkic Studies Prof. Dr. İlyas Kemaloğlu highlighted the importance of relations between the Golden Horde, the Ottoman Empire, and the successor khanates in the context of Turkic history.
Drawing attention to the political, cultural, and historical legacy of the Golden Horde, Prof. Dr. Kemaloğlu stated that the symposium would contribute to research on the Golden Horde by revealing historical continuities and mutual interactions. He expressed his gratitude to the organizing institutions, participating scholars, and attendees.
Emphasis on the Common History and Culture of the Turkic World
Turkish Academy of Sciences Member Prof. Dr. Ahmet Cevat Acar, in his address, highlighted the significance of the Golden Horde in Turkic history and emphasised the importance of preserving the Turkic World's shared historical and cultural heritage. Drawing attention to the importance of keeping the Turkish language and culture alive, Acar noted that academic cooperation would contribute to unity and solidarity across the Turkic World.
Throughout the symposium, diplomatic relations between the Ottoman Empire, the Golden Horde, and successor khanates were examined through political, historical, and cultural lenses from diverse academic perspectives. The event concluded with a presentation of gifts and a group photograph session.
