Major Gathering of Islamic World University Presidents in Gaziantep, Turkey

The Start of an Unprecedented Academic Event in Turkey The city of Gaziantep is preparing to host a major international event in the field of higher education. According to published reports, Gaziantep Islamic Science and Technology University (GİBTÜ) will host the "First Consultative Meeting of Islamic World University Presidents" on June 26 and 27, 2026 [1]. This event, being held at this level for the first time in Turkey, represents a major step toward scientific and international convergence [2].

Prof. Dr. Şehmus Demir, Rector of GİBTÜ, announced at a press conference that the university is ready to provide a platform for extensive scientific interactions between various countries. According to him, this meeting goes beyond the borders of the Islamic world and has taken on global dimensions [3].

Broad Presence of Academic Officials from Four Continents One of the prominent features of this meeting is the unique geographical diversity of its participants. More than 100 university presidents, senior academic administrators, and higher education representatives from 43 countries will gather at the Şahinbey Congress and Art Center [2]. In addition to Islamic countries, representatives from major universities in the United States, Russia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Azerbaijan are also present in this program [1].

Referring to the widespread reception of the event, the Rector of GİBTÜ emphasized that requests to participate in the meeting are still coming in, and many university presidents are requesting official invitations to attend in Gaziantep [3]. This indicates the strategic importance and special status of this conference at the international level.

Main Themes and Strategic Objectives of the Meeting During this two-day program, several key topics in the field of higher education and the future of universities will be discussed. The main themes of this meeting include formulating a common educational vision, developing research and development (R&D) networks, increasing the scientific mobility of students and faculty, and strengthening academic diplomacy and organizational solidarity [2].

Furthermore, Prof. Dr. Demir noted that the goal of this gathering is not just dialogue; rather, creating sustainable mechanisms, launching joint research centers, and designing integrated digital platforms among universities are the operational goals of this meeting [1]. The opening ceremony of the event will begin with a keynote speech by Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, President of the Council of Higher Education of Turkey (YÖK) [2].

Gaziantep; A Gateway to Scientific Diplomacy The choice of Gaziantep for this major event was not accidental. This city, known as Turkey's gateway to the Middle East, has high potential in various fields [1]. According to the organizers, Gaziantep is no longer known only for its industry, trade, and gastronomy; it is now establishing its position as an important center in the field of international relations and scientific diplomacy [3]. This meeting will be a unique opportunity to introduce Turkey's scientific and academic capacities to the world.