Atatürk University hosted the International Turkish and Turkish Literature Congress from Bilge Kaan to Atatürk in observance of the Centenary of the Republic. Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı was present during the proceedings.
In addition to academicians and students, vice rectors, faculty deans, center directors, and representatives of public institutions and organizations attended the congress, which was sponsored by the Metropolitan Municipality of Erzurum, Aziziye, Palandoken, and Yakutiye Municipalities, and inaugurated at the Nenehatun Culture and Performance Center.

Between October 26-28, a three-day congress will be held at which point around one hundred academics representing various Turkish geography countries, including Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, as well as the turks from Netherlands, will be in attendance.

Prof. Dr. Muhsine Börekci, a faculty member in the Turkish Education Department of the Kazım Karabekir Faculty of Education, delivered the opening address on behalf of the organizing committee. She expressed their delight at being able to host the International Turkish and Turkish Literature Congress from Bilge Kağan to Atatürk in the Centenary of the Republic at Atatürk University in Erzurum, where the Republic's sun rises.

"The fundamental ideal of the Republic of Turkey, as defined by Atatürk, transcends the threshold of modern civilization." 

In her speech, Professor Dr. Börekci made the following remarks: Atatürk established the Republic of Turkey with the fundamental goal of surpassing modern civilization in terms of Turkish heroism and rich Turkish culture. According to his definition of Turkish heroism, Oğuz Kağan, Manas, and Dede Korkut exemplify the aesthetically constructed archetype of the ideal human being bearing the name Turk. Bilge Kaan's experiences, which he inscribed as future knowledge on stones, Mahmud of Kashgar's arrangement of Turkish memory in the form of a divan, Yusuf Has Hacib's Turkish and Turkish state fiction, which he merged with these memories and experiences, and Edip Ahmet's "Turkish culture" comprise High Turkish culture. The notion of truth, which amalgamates Islamic morality and tradition, embodies the statehood culture that poets including Yesevi, Yunus, Mevlana, and Pir Sultan Abdal introduced to the Turkish world. As the inaugural act of the Republic, Atatürk presented the nation with a dichotomy of death or independence at the Erzurum Congress. However, he placed his complete faith in this statehood culture, which he encapsulated in the motto 'Either Independence or Death.' I would like to thank Atatürk University family and our stakeholders, especially Prof. Dr. Rector Ömer Çomaklı, who provided unwavering support for our congress."

"Our university makes a significant contribution to the progress of our nation by drawing inspiration from Turkish culture."

The Rector, Professor Dr. Ömer Çomaklı underscored in his address how Atatürk University, boasting 66 years of experience, founded upon a comprehension of universal science and scientific culture, has played a pivotal role in the progress of the Republic by serving as a trailblazer in both theoretical and applied disciplines (e.g., science-mathematics and engineering-medicine-dentistry), in addition to the social sciences.

In accordance with its mission, Rector Çomaklı declared that the University, which educated the forerunners of Turkology, endeavors to aid in the progress of our nation's future by fostering an understanding of Turkish culture. This is exemplified through the organization of this congress commemorating the centenary of the Republic of Turkey and encompassing the international Turkish language and Turkish literature: "Those participants hailing from various nations of Turkish geography and the Netherlands, including those from Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, who assisted in transforming the centennial of our republic into a scientific extravaganza are greatly appreciated. I would like to extend my gratitude to the congress organizing committee, members of the scientific committee, and our students. With the expectation that the congress will make a positive contribution to the scientific community, In furtherance of this, I would like to extend my appreciation to the Metropolitan Municipality of Erzurum, the Erzurum Governorship, and the municipalities of Aziziye, Palandoken, and Yakutiye for their steadfast support," he added.

Following the rector's addresses, Professor Dr. Özkul Çobanoğlu, Professor Dr. Fahri Temizyürek, Professor Dr. Nebi Özdemir, Professor Dr. Kutlay Yağmur, and Professor Dr. Orhan Kemal Tavukçuoğlu all delivered speeches during the initial session presided over by Prof. Dr. Kerime Üstünova.

Guests of the Nenehatun Culture and Performance Center will be treated to an information festival that spans three days and features the presentation of significant scientific research.

Directorate of Corporate Communications – October 26, 2023