Strategic Academic Visits to Uzbekistan from Istanbul Commerce University
![]()
Istanbul Commerce University met with leading ministries and universities in Uzbekistan to evaluate academic collaborations, exchange programs, and joint efforts in the field of social policy. During the visit, an international workshop was held where important messages were conveyed regarding the strengthening of family policies, and new cooperation protocols were signed between the two countries.
Istanbul Commerce University held important meetings in Uzbekistan in line with its internationalization vision. A delegation consisting of our University Rector Prof. Dr. Necip Şimşek, Director of the Women and Family Application and Research Center Dr. Ayşen Baylak Güngör, our University Dr. Zebiniso Kemal, and Application and Research Centers Specialist Güllü Buzunoğlu; conducted various meetings with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation of Uzbekistan, the University of Natural and Social Sciences, the Bukhara State and Technical University, and the Urgench State University. Throughout the visit program, topics such as academic collaborations, student and academic exchange programs, joint projects that could be carried out in the field of social policy, and the strengthening of academic relations between the two countries were discussed.
OFFICIAL VISITS TO MINISTRIES AND UNIVERSITIES
Our university delegation first visited the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation of Uzbekistan. During the meeting with Ministerial Advisor Nimatov Inayatullah and Youth Policy and Spiritual-Educational Affairs Department Specialist Solixo’jayeva Dildora Abduraimova, assessments were made regarding potential collaborations in higher education, youth policies, inter-university joint projects, and the implementation of the Orhun Exchange Program. During the rest of the program, a meeting was held with Prof. Dr. Golibjon Botirov, Rector of the University of Science and Social Sciences, where topics such as academic studies that could be conducted between the two universities, joint research projects, and long-term cooperation were discussed.
INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON STRENGTHENING FAMILIES IN BUKHARA
The “Preparatory Workshop-II,” which formed the Uzbekistan leg of the “1st International Conference on Strengthening the Family” held in Bukhara on November 17–18, 2025, was one of the most comprehensive parts of the visit. Hosted by Bukhara State Technical University, the workshop offered an intensive two-day academic program under the title “State Policies Based on Strengthening the Family in Turkey and Uzbekistan.” Over 30 academic studies were evaluated at the workshop held with the participation of the Ministry of Family and Social Services of the Republic of Turkey, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation of Uzbekistan, the Committee on Family and Women of Uzbekistan, the Women and Democracy Foundation (KADEM), the Uzbek Women’s Rights Association, and other relevant institutions. The opening featured high-level speakers both online and in person. Prof. Dr. Necip Şimşek, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation Prof. Dr. K. A. Sharipov, Chairman of the Science, Education, and Health Committee of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan Prof. Dr. B. A. Abdullayev, and other participants contributed to the program with their speeches.
THE STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF POLICIES THAT STRENGTHEN THE FAMILY
In his opening speech, Prof. Dr. Şimşek stated that Turkey and Uzbekistan share a common vision in the field of family policies, emphasizing that the institution of the family is a strategic priority for both countries. Prof. Dr. Şimşek stated that the dynamics of the era, such as digital transformation, urbanization, and demographic change, directly affect family structure. Therefore, he said that public policies that strengthen the family are of critical importance not only for social welfare but also for social sustainability. Prof. Dr. Şimşek emphasized the importance of increasing young people’s participation in education, employment, and social life for the future of both countries, stating that universities play a central role in this process as institutions that generate knowledge and guide social policies.
ACADEMIC CONTRIBUTIONS AND PRESENTATIONS FROM OUR UNIVERSITY
As part of the workshop, Dr. Ayşen Baylak Güngör, Assistant Professor and Director of our University’s Women and Family Application and Research Center, presented a paper and shared the results of the academic study. Güllü Buzunoğlu, Application and Research Centers Specialist, provided information on the work carried out to date in preparation for the conference and the plans for the next stages.
A PROTOCOL WAS SIGNED WITH THE BUHARA STATE TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY
A protocol aimed at strengthening academic cooperation between the two universities was signed during a meeting with Prof. Dr. Siddiqova Sadoqat Gafforovna, Rector of Bukhara State Technical University. The protocol represents an important step toward deepening relations between the two institutions at an institutional level, covering topics such as academic staff exchange, student mobility, joint projects, and support for scientific research.
DEVELOPING COOPERATION WITH URGENCH STATE UNIVERSITY
At the final stop of the visit program, a meeting was held with Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Zafer Ibragimov at Urgench State University, named after Abu Rayhan Biruni. During the meetings, comprehensive assessments were made regarding the strengthening of academic cooperation between the two universities, the implementation of the Orhun Exchange Program, the development of joint projects, and the implementation of student-faculty exchange processes. The visit concluded with the signing of a new protocol that will strengthen academic and scientific relations between the two institutions.
