Our Graduate Student Congress has started
02.10.2024
The "Graduate Student Congress," organized in collaboration with Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University and the Ilim Yayma Foundation, has begun at the Abdullah Tivnikli Conference Hall. After opening remarks by our Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Cevat Acar, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Erhan İçener, and Ilim Yayma Foundation General Director İdris Tankut Küsmezer, our guest, Prof. Dr. Zekeriya Kurşun, Vice Rector of FSM Foundation University, delivered a speech titled "Some Assessments on Methodological Issues in Middle Eastern Studies."
In his opening speech at the congress, Vice Rector of IZÜ, Prof. Dr. Erhan İçener, emphasized the opportunities presented to participants. He noted that organizing the congress in collaboration with the Ilim Yayma Foundation offers significant opportunities for academic careers, stating, “Graduate congresses provide students the chance to present their independent work and expand their academic networks. The number of participants is also quite satisfactory.”
"We are on the path to raising good people."
Ilim Yayma Foundation General Director İdris Tankut Küsmezer stated, "Our society, established in 1951, and our foundation, founded in 1973, are dedicated to raising good people. We have carried out activities on this path. We are delighted to meet with our graduate students, who have the potential to become the scientists of the future, under the university's roof."
"In a scientific environment, Western perspectives are dominant."
IZÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Cevat Acar emphasized the challenges of conducting research, especially in the social sciences. He continued his speech by stating, "We see that Western perspectives dominate the scientific environment in Turkey and other Islamic countries. If we, as Turkey, operate solely through the viewpoints of American and Western researchers, our risk of reaching similar conclusions increases. Incentives for publications in foreign indexes can leave manipulative traces on scientists. I believe these issues need to be addressed. It is important for graduate students to take responsibility in this matter."
"Correctly defining problems is the first step in finding solutions."
After the protocol addresses, the opening conference commenced. Prof. Dr. Zekeriya Kurşun, Vice Rector of FSM Foundation University, delivered a speech titled "Some Assessments on Methodological Issues in Middle Eastern Studies." He addressed the methodological challenges faced in Middle Eastern studies and emphasized the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to resolving these issues. Kurşun noted that correctly defining problems is the first step in finding solutions to the chronic issues in the region.