Afyon Kocatepe University Hosts Croatian Turkology Students

A New Chapter of Academic Cooperation in Afyonkarahisar

Afyon Kocatepe University (AKÜ) has once again demonstrated its commitment to the internationalization of the academic environment. In a ceremony held yesterday with the participation of provincial and university officials, the "Summer School for Turkology Students of the University of Zagreb" program was officially launched [1]. This program, developed in cooperation with various institutions including the Governor's Office and the Municipality of Afyonkarahisar, hosts 16 enthusiastic students from Croatia who have traveled to the heart of Anatolia to strengthen their language skills and cultural knowledge [2].

Professor Dr. Mehmet Karakaş, Rector of AKÜ, expressed his satisfaction with the presence of the Croatian students during the opening ceremony, emphasizing that such programs are not just short training courses but a bridge to strengthen diplomatic and cultural relations between Turkey and Croatia [4]. He noted that Afyon Kocatepe University, based on its international vision, attaches special importance to hosting foreign students and researchers.

Details of the Educational Program and Course Diversity

According to the plans, this training course will last for four weeks. During this period, 12 faculty members from different departments of the university are responsible for teaching the students [3]. The courses offered are not limited to language training; they cover various fields including:

• Classical and contemporary Turkish literature
• Ottoman and Republic of Turkey history
• Sociology and political science
• Contemporary Turkish dialects
• And culinary arts (Gastronomy) [1].

Dr. Gönül Erdem Nas, the coordinator of this project, mentioned that the main goal is for students to experience the Turkish language not just in a classroom setting, but within the context of daily life and cultural interactions [3]. The city of Afyonkarahisar, with its rich history and UNESCO-registered food culture, provides an ideal environment for this lived experience.

The Strategic Position of Turkology in Croatia

The Turkology department at the University of Zagreb, with a history of over 31 years, is considered one of the important centers for promoting Turkish culture and language in the Balkan region [1]. Nika Perić, representing the Croatian students, stated at the ceremony that Turkology is one of the most popular majors in their faculty. She emphasized that graduates of this field work in various sectors including diplomacy, trade, tourism, and in institutions such as TİKA and the Yunus Emre Institute, playing a key role in developing bilateral relations [3].

This summer school provides a unique opportunity for students to become familiar with the social realities and economic potential of Turkey beyond textbooks. The financial and moral support from companies such as Cengiz Holding alongside government institutions demonstrates the multifaceted importance of this scientific event [2]. It is expected that at the end of this course, students will return to Croatia as cultural ambassadors of Turkey, carrying a wealth of cultural experiences and specialized knowledge.