Istanbul Commerce University Meets the Turkic World at the 5th Manas Forum
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The 5th Manas Forum, organized in collaboration between Ankara University of Social Sciences (ASBÜ), Northern Cyprus, and Kyrgyzstan–Turkey Manas University, was held in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. At the forum, in which Istanbul Commerce University was among the partner institutions, our University was represented in academic councils, and our Rector, Prof. Dr. Necip Şimşek, delivered powerful messages about the common future of the Turkish world at the Partner Institutions Session he attended.
The 5th Manas Forum, organized by Ankara University of Social Sciences (ASBÜ) Northern Cyprus Campus in collaboration with Kyrgyzstan-Turkey Manas University and numerous partner universities, institutions, and organizations, was held in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus under the theme “The Turkic World in the Context of Regional and Global Developments.” Istanbul Commerce University contributed to the common vision of the Turkish world by participating as a stakeholder institution in the forum. The opening ceremony held in the Blue Hall of the TRNC Presidency was attended by Tufan Erhürman, President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Prof. Dr. Necip Şimşek, Rector of our University and Member of the Honorary Board of the 5th Manas Forum, Prof. Dr. Hanifi Parlar, Vice Rector and Member of the Organizing Committee of the 5th Manas Forum, Ali Murat Başçeri, Ambassador of Turkey to Nicosia, Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the TRNC, and other distinguished guests. Manas Forum Organizing Committee Member Prof. Dr. Hanifi Parlar, Turkish Ambassador to Nicosia Ali Murat Başçeri, TRNC Minister of Foreign Affairs Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu, TRNC Minister of Public Works and Transportation Erhan Arıklı, TÜRKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev, along with numerous academics, students, and guests.
THE RISING POWER CENTER OF THE 21ST CENTURY
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Kyrgyzstan–Turkey Manas University Prof. Dr. İbrahim Çapak, Kyrgyzstan-Turkey Manas University Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan, ASBU Rector Prof. Dr. Musa Kazım Arıcan, and ASBU Northern Cyprus Rector Prof. Dr. Enver Arpa, stated that the Turkish world is one of the rising power centers of the 21st century and emphasized the importance of cooperation under the umbrella of the Organization of Turkic States. Sultan Raev, Secretary General of TÜRKSOY, emphasized that culture, language, art, and solidarity form the foundation of the Turkic world.
OUR RECTOR PROF. DR. ŞİMŞEK SPOKE AT THE STAKEHOLDER INSTITUTIONS PANEL
Following the opening speeches, the Stakeholder Institutions Session was held. Our university was represented by Rector Prof. Dr. Necip Şimşek at the panel moderated by Prof. Dr. Enver Arpa. Prof. Dr. Şimşek emphasized that the Manas Forum is an important gathering that contributes to the common future of the Turkic world, stating that coming together as representatives not only of a vast geography but also of a shared history, language, culture, and destiny carries great significance. Prof. Dr. Şimşek went on to say that this forum, named after the Manas Epic, a symbol of the Turkish nation’s heroism and unity, has become a well-established academic tradition over the years.
“MANAS FORUM HAS BECOME A SYMBOL OF SHARING AND COOPERATION”
Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Şimşek, who is a member of the Forum’s Honorary Board, said that the Manas Forum has become an important symbol of interaction, sharing, and cooperation that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries not only in the Turkic world but throughout the world. Prof. Dr. Şimşek stated that, just like the spirit that unites the people in the Manas Epic, this forum also brings together sister communities from different regions under a common vision, drawing strength from shared values. Referring to the importance of the spirit of Manas, which represents the contemporary integration, common consciousness, and solidarity of the Turkic world, Prof. Dr. Şimşek stated that Istanbul Commerce University attaches great importance to contributing to this integration and that they are working to strengthen relations with the Turkic world in line with the vision of the Organization of Turkic States and the internationalization concept of the University.
THE FUTURE OF THE TURKISH WORLD WAS DISCUSSED IN 27 SESSIONS
The two-day program of the forum, of which our Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Hanifi Parlar is a member of the Organizing Committee, evaluated global changes, geopolitical developments, the potential of Turkish states, and opportunities for cooperation within a scientific framework. Of the 27 sessions at the forum where 104 papers were accepted, 17 were held in person and 10 were held online.
ACADEMIC CONTRIBUTION FROM ISTANBUL UNIVERSITY OF COMMERCE
Our university’s Rector, Prof. Dr. Necip Şimşek, is among the members of the forum’s Honorary Board, while our Vice Rector, Prof. Dr. Hanifi Parlar, serves as a member of the Organizing Committee. Additionally, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kavas, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Said Yazıcıoğlu, and Prof. Dr. Zeyneb Çağlıyan İçener from our university are contributing to the event as members of the forum’s Scientific Committee.
