International Conference “Research on the History of Türkiye-Poland Relations in the 19th-20th Century” was Held
The "International Conference on Research on the History of Türkiye-Poland Relations in the 19th-20th Century", organized in memory of the 100th anniversary of the Türkiye-Poland Friendship Treaty, was held on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at the Doctorate Hall of the Rectorate of İstanbul University (İU).
“International Conference on Research on the History of Türkiye-Poland Relations in the 19th-20th Century” was held. Chargé d'Affaires of the Republic of Poland Radoslaw Sadowski, Consul General of the Republic of Poland in İstanbul Witold Lesniak, İU Rector Prof. Dr. Osman Bülent Zülfikar, İU Faculty of Letters Deputy Dean Prof. Dr. Hayat Develi and İU Polish Language and Literature Department Head Prof. Dr. Hacer Topaktaş Üstüner made speeches.
Türkiye-Poland Friendship Relations in their 100th Anniversary
Prof. Dr. Topaktaş Üstüner, who started her speech by giving information about the Türkiye-Poland Friendship Treaty, said, “The treaty has brought about a new era, a new beginning in terms of the relations of the two countries. After this, relations continued in a stronger way. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the relations that have developed since then is a cause of joy for all of us.” Prof. Dr. Topaktaş Üstüner concluded her speech by thanking those who contributed to the organization of the event.
Prof. Dr. Hayati Develi, who then went up to the podium to make his speech, stated that they were very pleased with the friendship of two countries in distant geographies, Poland and Türkiye, and stated that friendship agreements were very important for the future of the two countries. Stating that they will continue to work to improve the relations between the two countries, Prof. Dr. Develi concluded his speech by thanking those who contributed to the realization of the event.
“Our Relations with Poland Continue Strongly”
After Prof. Dr. Develi completed his speech, İU Rector Prof. Dr. Osman Bülent Zülfikar made his speech. Prof. Dr. Zülfikar started his speech by drawing attention to the importance of the event and said, “The Poland Days event at İstanbul University adds color to our university with interesting scientific and cultural activities every year. When I look at the program, I observe that these activities aimed at getting to know and introduce the cultural, literary, historical, and folkloric aspects of Poland are very enjoyable and useful activities for our students. On the other hand, I believe that such events provide the opportunity to see a different aspect of Turkey-Poland friendly and scientific relations.”
Stating that İstanbul University has strong relations with Poland, Prof. Dr. Zülfikar said, “Poland has a different place in our university in terms of scientific activities and educational activities. "Our bilateral relations continue strongly, thanks to the fact that many Polish students study at our university and the students hosted within the scope of the Erasmus program." Stating that İstanbul University has made significant contributions to developing relations with Poland, Prof. Dr. Zülfikar ended his speech by thanking those who contributed to the realization of the event.
“Two Countries Built Bridges Instead of Walls”
After Prof. Dr. Zülfikar, Witold Lesniak, Consul General of the Republic of Poland in İstanbul, came to the podium to make his speech. Consul General Lesnniak stated his pleasure to be at the event and said, “I am very happy and honored to be here on the 100th anniversary of the friendship agreement signed in Lausanne in 1923. In 2014, we celebrated the relations and friendship between our two countries. During the 600 years of Turkey-Poland relations, these two countries have built bridges instead of walls. Even though there are some myths about the relations between countries, we need reliable information and science. The importance of this should not be overlooked. We should also focus more on establishing language centers in Turkey and Poland.”
“Our Friendship Agreement is a Unique Event for Us”
Finally, the Charge d'Affaires of the Republic of Poland, Radoslaw Sadowski, came to the podium to make his speech. “We are very happy to organize this conference and to be invited here on the 100th anniversary of the friendship agreement signed between Türkiye and Poland. It is also nice that this coincides with the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye. Our friendship agreement is a unique event for us. Our relations as two countries are based on friendship. This conference is a very important program in which information about the relations between Türkiye and Poland will be shared.” He expressed his gratitude to those who contributed to the realization of the event, saying, "It will be very important and encouraging for both countries." The conference continued with the presentation of gifts after the opening speeches and included sessions titled "Turkish-Polish Relations in the Archives", "Turkish-Polish Relations and Polish Refugees in the 19th Century", "Relations in the 20th and 21st Centuries", "Turkish-Polish Relations in the Research of Graduate Students".
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