27 October 2026
II. International Symposium on the Countries of the Black Sea and Caspian Basin: Quests for Cooperation and Integration in the Turkic World
Organized in collaboration between Istanbul Gelişim University and Vatan University of Uzbekistan, the "2nd International Symposium on Black Sea and Caspian Basin Countries: Search for Cooperation and Integration in the Turkic World" brought together academics, researchers, and diplomatic representatives, primarily from the Turkic world. During the symposium—where significant assessments were made regarding the strengthening of academic, economic, cultural, and strategic cooperation across this region—participants explored various issues concerning the Turkic world from different perspectives.
Held on October 14, 2026, the "2nd International Symposium on Black Sea and Caspian Basin Countries"—organized in collaboration between Istanbul Gelisim University and Uzbekistan’s Vatan University—brought together participants under the theme of searching cooperation and integration within the Turkic world. The symposium was coordinated by the Department of Political Science and International Relations and the Department of Political Science and Public Administration at Istanbul Gelişim University, in partnership with the Political And Social Researches Application And Research Center (İGÜSAM), the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities, and the Organization of Turkic States.
Uniting academics, researchers, and subject-matter experts from across the Turkic world, the symposium focused on key topics such as higher education cooperation among Turkic states, free trade agreements, regional security, and historical identity. Sessions addressed strategic issues—including the role of Turkistan in regional identity, the historical dimensions of Türkiye-Uzbekistan relations, the situation of Iraqi Turkmens, and current developments in Syria—while also examining how shared cultural belonging and the quest for identity are reflected within academia.
Environmental, ecological, and sustainable development issues also featured prominently at the event. Academics presented data-driven research covering topics such as ecological cooperation in the Caucasus, the monitoring of environmental changes in the Aral Sea basin using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques, the impact of financial development on carbon emissions, and the security architecture of the Black Sea region.
Digital transformation and artificial intelligence technologies which forces shaping the world of the future emerged as key agenda items at the symposium. Discussions covered the impact of artificial intelligence on green economic growth, the ethical and philosophical dimensions of AI governance within the Turkic world, the formation of public opinion on digital platforms, and the economic and geopolitical significance of Trans-Caspian transport corridors in terms of customs governance.
The most significant outcome of the symposium was the establishment of a foundation for sustainable, collaborative research networks across the Turkic world, bringing together scholars from diverse regions (including Türkiye, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and Syria) on a common platform. By strengthening diplomatic and academic ties between higher education institutions, the event directly contributed to transforming regional cooperation opportunities into institutional projects and fostering the joint production of scientific knowledge.
