Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eyüp Kul, from the Department of History at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University in Rize, visited the Department of Turkish Language Teaching at International Balkan University (IBU) as a guest lecturer and delivered a comprehensive lecture titled "Ottoman Civilization in the Balkans."
In his presentation, Professor Kul explored the legacy of the Ottoman Empire in the Balkan region, focusing on its institutional structures, social dynamics, and cultural heritage. The lecture provided students with a rich historical perspective and valuable insight into the multicultural nature of the Ottoman presence in the region.
Dr. Kul emphasized that Ottoman civilization was not merely a political system but a way of life that enabled diverse religious, ethnic, and cultural communities to coexist for centuries. He noted that the influence of the Ottoman Empire can still be seen today—from architectural landmarks and educational institutions to charitable organizations and everyday cultural practices in the Balkans.
The students showed great interest in the lecture, demonstrating their curiosity about historical subjects and their connection to cultural heritage. A Q&A session at the end offered students the opportunity to deepen their understanding and engage in meaningful historical discussions from a contemporary perspective.
The event received highly positive feedback and once again underscored the value of such academic contributions in supporting student development.