During the final stop of their European tour in Türkiye, students from the University of Alabama visited Istanbul Ticaret University, where they enjoyed an academic, cultural, and technological experience hosted by the Department of International Trade (English).
Istanbul Ticaret University hosted another prestigious gathering in line with its vision of expanding its global education network and promoting internationalization. Students from the University of Alabama, one of the United States’ (U.S.) long-standing and respected educational institutions, were guests at Istanbul Ticaret University during the final stop of their five-country European tour, which was part of their summer school programs.
Organized by the Department of International Trade (English) and spanning two days, the intensive program serves as the first strong step toward future strategic partnerships between the two universities.
DAY ONE: DIGITAL EXPERIENCE, CAMPUS LIFE, AND CULTURAL EXPLORATION
On the first day of the program, University of Alabama students visited the Sütlüce Campus to see Istanbul Ticaret University’s modern educational infrastructure and technological facilities firsthand. As part of the campus tour, the visiting students explored the Digital Experience Museum—located across from the campus and Türkiye’s largest digital museum—and enthusiastically experienced the interactive spaces where modern art and technology converge.
Following an exploration of the campus’s academic facilities, the visiting delegation was hosted at the university dining hall for a shared lunch. After the meal, which took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere, a pleasant excursion was organized to Miniatürk to provide a closer look at Turkish culture, history, and architectural heritage. American students, who examined scale models of iconic structures from all across Türkiye with great interest, had the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge about Turkish history.
One of the most productive moments of the day was when the students came together. University of Alabama students, who established close communication with Istanbul Ticaret University students, not only shared their global visions but also built strong professional and personal networks for the future.
DAY TWO: “TURKIYE’S INTERNATIONAL TRADE” SEMINAR, VISIT TO THE RECTOR’S OFFICE, AND BOSPHORUS CRUISE
On the second day of the program, activities moved to the historic atmosphere of the Eminönü Campus. In the first part of the day, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cihat Köksal, Head of the International Trade (English) Department at Istanbul Ticaret University, conducted a seminar for the visiting students. Under the title “Türkiye’s International Trade,” the seminar addressed Türkiye’s geopolitical position, its strategic importance in global trade routes, export potential, and dynamic market structure through an interactive presentation. The American students had the opportunity to learn about Türkiye’s role in the global economy and ask questions they were curious about.
Following the seminar, the delegation was received by Istanbul Ticaret University Rector Prof. Dr. Necip Şimşek at his office. Expressing his satisfaction with the visit, Rector Prof. Dr. Necip Şimşek noted the following while highlighting the university’s internationalization goals:
“As a university, we closely follow global education standards and place great importance on cross-border academic collaborations. We are delighted to host a prestigious institution like the University of Alabama. We believe that such visits will continue to expand our students’ global vision while enhancing inter-institutional scientific and academic partnerships.”
After the official meetings and academic program concluded, the visiting students were treated to an unforgettable farewell in Istanbul. A special yacht tour organized at the end of the second day provided a magnificent Bosphorus cruise. The American students, who had the opportunity to view Istanbul’s historic waterfront mansions, palaces, and the unique scenery connecting two continents from the sea, were captivated by the city’s cultural charm.
“OUR COLLABORATIONS WILL GROW EXPONENTIALLY IN THE COMING YEARS”
Dr. Hasan Isomitdinov, a faculty member at the University of Alabama who led the Alabama delegation during the visit, expressed deep satisfaction with the exceptional hospitality shown by Istanbul Ticaret University, the rich program content, and the attention given to the delegation. Dr. Isomitdinov emphasized that this two-day productive meeting would not remain merely a visit, but that they hoped it would evolve into a sustainable collaboration through joint projects, student exchanges, and academic research in the coming years.
The visit concluded with the exchange of gifts between the two university delegations and the taking of commemorative photos.
