Public Managers Association (KAYDER) Delegation Visits Karabük University and Hadrianopolis

Strengthening Links between Public Management and Academia at Karabük University The visit program of the Public Managers Association (KAYDER) delegation began at Karabük University (KBÜ). İbrahim Göktaş, President of the Association, and members of the board of directors met with Rector Professor Doctor Fatih Kırışık at the Rectorate office. During this cordial meeting, both parties emphasized the vital role of universities in social and economic development [1]. The main focus of these discussions was the exploration of cooperation opportunities between executive bodies and academic environments. Highlighting the scientific capacities of Karabük University, Professor Kırışık expressed the institution's readiness to advance joint projects in the field of public management and the training of specialized human resources. This meeting was evaluated as an important step toward aligning theoretical knowledge with the operational needs of the government [2]. ## Regional Development in Focus at Karabük Governorate In the second part of the trip, the KAYDER delegation, accompanied by the Rector of Karabük University, visited Oktay Çağatay, the Governor of Karabük. During this meeting, ongoing projects at the provincial level and strategies for enhancing productivity in local management were discussed and exchanged [1]. Governor Çağatay expressed his satisfaction with the presence of management elites in the province and emphasized the importance of development-oriented projects. He noted that cooperation between specialized associations like KAYDER and governing bodies could lead to accelerating the process of solving regional challenges and improving public services. Members of the KAYDER board also presented their perspectives on good governance and sustainable urban development [2]. ## Hadrianopolis: A Journey into History in the "Zeugma of the Black Sea" The official visit concluded with a tour of the ancient city of Hadrianopolis in the Eskipazar district. This archaeological site, famous as the "Zeugma of the Black Sea" due to its unique mosaics, is currently witnessing the new 2026 excavation season [3]. Serkan Civa, the Mayor of Eskipazar, also accompanied the delegation during this visit. Professor Doctor Ersin Çelikbaş, head of the excavation team and faculty member at Karabük University, provided comprehensive explanations regarding recent findings, including the discovery of a 1750-year-old Pithos burial ground and the restoration of the ancient palace reception hall [1]. The KAYDER delegation, while visiting the new walking paths and the visitor center, emphasized the importance of promoting this world heritage to boost cultural tourism in Turkey. This visit demonstrates the deep connection between historical identity and macro-development planning in the Karabük region [3].