Collaboration between Turkish and Greek academics
Turkish and Greek academics held a brainstorming workshop to solve the problems between the two countries in Izmir. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on December 1, 2023 between the Institute of International Economic Relations (IIER) founded by the Hellenic Association of S.A. and Entrepreneurship and Yasar University. The Memorandum was signed on behalf of IIER by its Director, Prof. Charalambos Tsardanidisand on behalf of Yasar University by the Rector of Yasar University, Prof. Levent Kandiller.
Turkish and Greek academics came together at Yaşar University. Academicians from Yaşar University Center for Mediterranean Studies and the Department of International Relations, the Institute of International Economic Relations from Athens and MA Programme in International and European Governance and Policy, University of Athens discussed the problems that concern the societies of both countries at the meeting titled “Second Way Diplomacy”. deposited. There were also participants in the event Department of International Relations, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Department of Energy Systems Engineering, Department of Radio, Television, Cinema from Yaşar University along with İzmir Mediterranean Academy, Ege University and GENBA Group. At the event held at Selçuk Yaşar Campus, Turkish and Greek academics discussed and brainstormed areas of cooperation between non-governmental organizations, universities, research centres, institutes, municipalities, and academic institutions between the two societies, rather than the solution of political problems that cause tension between the two countries.
Opening speeches of the Workshop were made by Yaşar University Vice Rector and member of the Department of International Relations, Prof. Aylin Güney, Yaşar University Vice Rector and Logistics Management Department member Prof. Yiğit Kazançoğlu, Director of the IIER Prof. Dr. Charalambos Tsardanidis and finally the Director of the Center for Mediterranean Studies and member of the Department of International Relations, Prof. Emre İşeri. After the opening speeches, the workshop continued with four consecutive sessions. The first session chaired by the Director of the EU Center and the Chair of Dpt. of International Relations Prof. Gökay Özerim and the potential cooperation between research centers/institutes was discussed. The second session titled Potentiality of Cooperation between Cities and Civil Society was chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Feride Aslı Ergul Jorgensen from the Department of International Relations, Ege University. The third session, where the Potential for Research and Cooperation on Climate/Energy was discussed chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Defne Günay- Ulubay from Yaşar University the Department of International Relations. The last session was chaired by Prof. Panayiotis Tsakonas Director, MA Programme in International and European Governance and Policy, University of Athens and possible future collaborations between institutions were discussed.
ACADEMIC CONTRIBUTION TO PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP
Yaşar University Vice Rector Prof. Aylin Güney said, “This academic event aims to expand cooperation by spreading to other institutions in the two countries. “I am grateful that you chose Yaşar University for the beginning of this collaboration,” she said. Prof. Güney believes that peaceful and warm relations between Turkey and Greece will support the welfare of both nations. Yaşar University Vice Rector Prof. Yiğit Kazançoğlu said, “We work with Greek academics, we publish articles, and we should not allow anyone to interfere in our relations with our neighbors. Unfortunately, there were periods when political relations were not at the level we wanted. As academics, I think close relations will benefit the well-being of both nations. The word neighbor has a very important place in our culture. We are always together; this is not a one-time thing. We want a long-term cooperation”.
‘COLLABORATION CULTURE IS IMPORTANT’
Drawing attention to the cooperation between the two communities, the Director of the IIER from Greece, Prof. Dr. Charalambos Tsardanidis said, “It is very important to discuss diplomacy, try to find some common interests and understandings and develop a culture of cooperation. Civil society also has an important role in this. In this workshop, we will discuss Greece and Turkey on different topics. “We share common values and will produce new ideas.”
The Director of the Center for Mediterranean Studies and member of the Department of International Relations Prof. Dr. Emre İşeri said, “We are here to investigate and discuss potential areas of cooperation between the Greek and Turkish communities. The MoU will pave the way for various academic collaborations.’’
