Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University (IZU) successfully hosted the 5th IZU International Culture Festival on May 13, 2026, under the theme "İZÜ, A World Within." The festival brought together representatives from more than 30 countries and was marked by significant diplomatic attendance and the signing of strategic international cooperation agreements.
The following diplomatic representatives who honored the festival with their presence: the Consul General of Kazakhstan in Istanbul, Amankul Nuriddin; the Consul General of Syria in Istanbul, Khaled Al-Hendawi; the Consul of Uzbekistan in Istanbul, Abduvali Muminov; the Vice Consul of Ghana in Istanbul, Naomi Aduamoah; and Bhasker Dwivedi, Representative of the Consulate General of India in Istanbul.
On the margins of the festival, the International Office coordinated the signing of several landmark agreements aimed at expanding IZU's global academic network. A formal protocol was signed with the First Muslim Class Foundation of Nigeria in the presence of Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Akef, establishing special admission pathways for master's and PhD programs for qualified Nigerian students. Additionally, bilateral cooperation agreements were concluded with three leading Indonesian educational institutions: As-Syifa Al-Khoeriyyah Foundation, Majlis Pendidikan Darul Hikam, and Pesantren Modern Daarul 'Uluum Lido high school, further strengthening IZU's academic presence in Southeast Asia.
These agreements reflect IZU's ongoing commitment to building an inclusive, globally connected academic community and reinforce the university's mission of international educational partnership.