Support from TIKA for the 22nd International Turkish World Social Sciences Congress

In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation, the 22nd International Congress of Social Sciences of the Turkish World, organized by the Turkish World Research Foundation with the support of TIKA, was held at the Girne International Final University in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

The program was attended by Ersin Tatar, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Yasin Ekrem Serim, the Ambassador of Turkey to Nicosia, Dr. Mahmut Çevik, the Vice President of TIKA, representatives from different regions of the Turkish world, university rectors, academics, and invited guests.

The congress began with opening speeches by President Tatar and Vice President Çevik.

Starting his speech by commemorating the late founder of the Turkish World Research Foundation, Turan Yazgan, President Tatar emphasized the role of such congresses in the unification of the Turkish World and the establishment of collaborations.

Pointing out that the foundations of the Organization of Turkic States were laid at the congress held in Nakhchivan in 2009, Tatar noted that thanks to the efforts of the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus became an observer member of this organization in 2022.

President Tatar conveyed that the Turkish Cypriot is an inseparable part of the Turkish World and highlighted the need to strengthen these ties and relationships.

Mentioning the importance of the conquests made by Turks in 1071 to Anatolia, in 1453 to Istanbul, and in 1571 to Cyprus in the Turks’ advance to the West, Tatar stated that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus represents the Turkish world as an independent Turkish state in the Eastern Mediterranean.

In his speech, Vice President Çevik stated that the Turkish world is gaining strength every day through collaborations in political, economic, commercial, cultural, scientific, and many other fields.

Expressing that the relationships sustained in solidarity will ensure the positive influence of the Turkish world on the shape the world will take in the 21st century, Çevik noted that the unity, togetherness, and solidarity of the Turkish world will determine the situation of the 21st century. From this perspective, it will be clearer how important a mission institutions and organizations involved in activities concerning the Turkish world carry, and the congress represents the fulfillment of an important responsibility in this context.

The congress, which will conclude on November 1, 2024, will feature special sessions on “Turkish World” and “Cyprus.”