International Balkan University (IBU), in partnership with Istanbul University and the Turkish Language and Literature Association, co-organized the international symposium titled “From Past to Present: Orthography of Turkish”, held from 24 to 26 September 2025 at Istanbul University. The event brought together prominent academics, researchers, and institutional leaders to discuss the evolution, current challenges, and future directions of Turkish orthography.

As one of the organizing institutions, we at IBU proudly contributed to this important initiative, which sought to protect and promote the structural integrity and cultural depth of the Turkish language.

The symposium featured the participation of high-level figures, including Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye, Cevdet Yılmaz, who attended the closing session. Istanbul University Rector Prof. Dr. Osman Bülent Zülfikar, IBU Rector Prof. Dr. Lütfi Sunar and President of the Turkish Language and Literature Association, Ekrem Erdem, also addressed the audience with their insights on the role of language in national identity and cultural preservation.

Representing our university, IBU Rector Prof. Dr. Lütfi Sunar delivered a speech in which he emphasized the cultural significance of Turkish and the importance of safeguarding it as a marker of civilization. He highlighted the work we carry out as IBU to ensure the language remains dynamic and relevant, particularly within the Balkans.

Prof. Dr. Sunar also noted our university’s commitment to strengthening the historical and cultural ties between Türkiye and communities in the region, while supporting efforts that promote Turkish as more than a communication tool — as a symbol of shared memory and values.

During the symposium, our Rector was accompanied by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seyhan Murtezan Ibrahimi, Secretary General of IBU.

We believe that protecting Turkish orthography is essential for preserving intergenerational continuity and national consciousness. As IBU, we remain committed to fostering scholarly collaboration and cultural awareness around the Turkish language, and will continue to take part in initiatives that support its future across borders.