― 19 февраля 2024 г.

Cooperation protocol signed between TURKSOY and the Sheikh Edebali University of Bilecik

A Cooperation Protocol was signed between the International Organisation of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) and the  Sheikh Edebali University of Bilecik.

At the ceremony held at the General Secretariat of TURKSOY on  February 19th, 2024, Secretary General  Raev and the Rector of the  Sheikh Edebali University Prof. Dr. Şükrü Beydemir signed the Cooperation Protocol, which will be the legal basis of the cooperation between TURKSOY and the University and covers issues related to similar tasks and activities in the fields of culture, arts and academic research.

Speaking at the signature ceremony, Secretary General Raev said that this meeting with the  delegation of the   Sheikh Edebali University aims at introducing the culture and art of Turkic peoples to a wide audience while fostering inter-institutional cooperation.

Emphasising the place and importance of Bilecik in Turkish history, Secretary General Raev said: “Bilecik has an important place not only in Türkiye but also in the Turkic World. Turks, who set out to make Anatolia their home, sowed the first seeds of the Ottoman Empire in Söğüt and Bilecik, and ensured that this state  ruled for centuries. Starting from Bilecik, the cradle of the Ottoman state, they ensured Turkish domination in 3 continents and showed Turkish civilisation to the world. The Cooperation Protocol we will sign with the University named after Sheikh Edebali, one of the scholars who made unique contributions to the establishment of the Ottoman state in these lands, will make a significant contribution to the development of relations between TURKSOY and  the Sheikh Edebali University of Bilecik while also  contributing to the preservation of the rich cultural heritage of  Turkic peoples.”

Prof. Dr. Şükrü Beydemir, the Rector of the Sheikh Edebali University of Bilecik who also said a few words at the signature ceremony stressed the importance of Bilecik in the Turkic World and the need  to develop relations with TURKSOY. Rector Beydemir further  said: "Bilecik is an important city that carries the spirit of the Ottoman Empire. Indeed, the tomb of Ertuğrul Gazi and the tomb and mausoleum of Sheikh Edebali, known as the spiritual founder of the Ottoman Empire, are both located in Bilecik. We are very honoured and proud that our university bears this name.  Bilecik is the province of the Republic of Türkiye which is most associated with the Turkic World. I do sincerely wish that this cooperation protocol will be auspicious for all of us."