The 22nd International Turkic World Social Sciences Congress is being held at the Çatalköy Main Campus of Final International University in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, hosted by Final International University with the organization of TDAV and the support of the Turkish Embassy in Nicosia and TİKA.

The three-day conference’s opening ceremony was held on Wednesday, October 3, 2024. The event began with a welcome speech by Final University’s Rector, Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Yaratan, followed by remarks from Prof. Dr. Köksal Şahin on behalf of the organizing committee, TDAV President Közhan Yazgan, and President Ersin Tatar.

In his opening speech, Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Yaratan expressed his pride and happiness that such a significant event was taking place at Final University, thanking everyone who contributed to the organization. Prof. Dr. Yaratan emphasized Final University’s commitment to educating students who are technologically adept, inquisitive, and research-oriented, highlighting the university’s mission of conducting scientific research and addressing issues faced by universities and humanity through academic publications. He also noted the university’s contribution to the economic and social development of the region and its scientific engagement with regional challenges.

Yaratan underlined the congress’s aim to bring individual knowledge and ideas into the scientific world, with a special focus on promoting cooperation within the Turkic World, strengthening relations, and deepening connections. “By working together, we can strengthen our relations and sovereignty,” he said, adding, “this is how we can contribute to global peace.”

Prof. Dr. Köksal Şahin, TÜMER president and faculty member at Sakarya University, expressed happiness that the 22nd congress was being held in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and thanked Final University for hosting it. Prof. Dr. Şahin mentioned that Sakarya University’s collaboration with TDAV began in 2004, extending the congress’s reach internationally. He noted that the Organization of Turkic States is now the 7th largest power globally and that this organization aims to prepare Turkic scholars from Asia to Europe for the digital and smart information age. He added that since the 16th century, the Turkic World has produced limited scientific output despite its potential, but efforts like this congress will continue to foster growth.

In his speech, TDAV President Közhan Yazgan remarked, “As the Turkish Nation, our disconnect from science has caused significant backwardness over recent centuries. Today, we are witnessing substantial development in the scientific world. For the Turkic World to catch up, it is crucial to come together by all means, share knowledge and experience, and pool resources in unity. Our International Turkic World Social Sciences Congress fulfills this mission commendably. We believe that the insights shared here will serve as a guide in addressing the problems facing the Turkic World, providing valuable opportunities for progress. We cannot ignore the challenges facing the Turkish people in East Turkestan, West Turkestan, Afghanistan, Crimea, the Caucasus, Northern Iraq, Syria, and Cyprus. The Turkish Cypriots, who host us today, have fought for more than a century to establish and protect the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus under the leadership of legendary figures like Dr. Fazıl Küçük and Rauf Denktaş, enduring great sacrifices. We must strive to resolve these challenges peacefully within the framework of justice, international law, and human rights. I respectfully honor all our martyrs on the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation and extend my greetings to our veterans. I would like to thank Final University, TİKA, Sakarya University, our organizing team, and all the scholars and volunteers who contributed to this congress on behalf of our foundation.”

After welcoming remarks from the university representatives attending from the Turkic World, President Ersin Tatar delivered the congress’s final opening address.

In his speech, President Tatar stated, “It is significant for the TRNC to be represented in the Turkic World under its legal name and flag.” He expressed his pleasure in welcoming guests from the Turkic World to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, saying, “Our hearts are with you; greetings to the Turkic World from here.”

Paying respects to the late Turan Yazgan, founder of the Turkish World Studies Foundation, President Tatar emphasized the importance of ideas and presentations shared at congresses in bringing together the Turkic World and fostering cooperation. He highlighted that the foundation for the Organization of Turkic States was laid at the congress in Nakhchivan in 2009 and mentioned the TRNC’s admission as an observer state in 2022 with the support of Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

President Tatar also emphasized the importance of TRNC’s participation in high-level meetings and sessions under its constitutional name and flag, as an integral part of the Turkic World. He reiterated the TRNC’s role as an independent Turkish state in the Eastern Mediterranean, advocating for collaboration aligned with the common interests of the Turkic Nation.

Expressing excitement about the potential of the Turkic World, Tatar remarked, “We must make the best use of the Turkic World’s potential. As Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev noted, we should continue to enhance cooperation in social, cultural, and economic fields.”

Following the opening, a 15-minute break was given, after which presentations commenced. The congress ran from October 30 to November 1.