Kazakh Faculty and Students in Rize: A New Step in Agricultural Cooperation

Within the framework of scientific and cultural cooperation between Turkey and Kazakhstan, a delegation of professors and students from the Almaty Kazakh National Agrarian Research University (KazNARU) arrived in Rize on July 6, 2026, to closely observe the academic and industrial capacities of the region [1]. This visit, organized through extensive coordination, demonstrates the determination of both countries to establish a solid "educational and agricultural bridge" in the region.

Language Training and Preparation for Scientific Exchange One of the notable features of this group is their proficiency in the Turkish language. These 17 individuals underwent intensive training for one year under Dr. Öznur Yıldırım, a professor sent to Kazakhstan by the Turkish Ministry of National Education [2]. This linguistic preparation allows the Kazakh students and professors to participate directly in the educational programs of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University (RTEÜ) and utilize the laboratory and workshop facilities of this scientific center. The main goal of this program, besides strengthening language skills, is to carefully examine academic opportunities for long-term cooperation between the two universities.

Focus on Tea Cultivation and Processing Technologies The city of Rize, as the hub of tea production in Turkey, has become the focus of this Kazakh delegation. The itinerary includes technical visits to the Faculty of Agriculture at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, inspection of specialized laboratories, and research greenhouses [1]. The group intends to conduct field studies on plant propagation technologies and modern tea cultivation methods. Additionally, visits to the Tea Research Center (Çaymer) and organic tea production factories are planned to transfer the technical knowledge of processing this strategic product to Kazakh specialists [2].

The Role of Educational Diplomacy in Developing Relations This visit was realized through the support and initiative of Şükrü Köse, the Turkish Education Attaché in Almaty, who is originally from Rize [1]. Recognizing the shared potential in the agricultural sector, he paved the way for this scientific team's presence in northern Turkey. These interactions are expected to lead not only to student and faculty exchanges between KazNARU and RTEÜ but also to joint research projects in plant breeding and agricultural resource management in the near future. This movement will further introduce the institutional strength of regional universities within the geography of Kazakhstan [2].