“Aydın from Past to Future” Symposium Begins at Our University
The symposium aims to examine Aydın’s cultural, historical, social, and economic heritage from past to present through a scientific perspective. The opening ceremony was attended by the Governor of Aydın, Yakup Canbolat; our University Rector, Prof. Dr. Bülent Kent; Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Erkan Salan and Prof. Dr. Cengiz Özarslan; Acting Secretary-General Prof. Dr. Bertan Akyol; Advisors to the Rector Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kemal Ramazan Haykıran and Asst. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Fatih Hacıyusufoğlu; graduate school directors; faculty deans; directors of public institutions; representatives of non-governmental organisations; and academics.
Speaking on behalf of the Symposium Committee, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kemal Ramazan Haykıran stated that the “Aydın from Past to Future Symposium” was an important initiative for examining Aydın’s cultural, historical, and scientific values from an interdisciplinary perspective. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Haykıran thanked the Aydın Governorship, the University administration, the graduate school directorates, and the academic team for their contributions to the organisation of the symposium. He expressed his hope that the programme would be productive and inspiring for all participants.
In his address, our University Rector, Prof. Dr. Bülent Kent, emphasised that Aydın has been one of the prominent centres of culture, scholarship, and civilisation throughout history. He stated:
“Aydın, which has carefully preserved the traces of history and civilisation for centuries, is virtually an open-air museum with its ancient cities. Since its establishment, our University has conducted numerous scientific studies on the history, culture, and production processes of our city. At this event, organised in cooperation with the Aydın Governorship, 120 researchers from twenty different universities will present more than 95 papers in three separate halls over three days. I hope that this productive scientific environment will help us better understand Aydın’s past and guide its future with a stronger vision. I also hope that the symposium will be beneficial to our province, our University, and our country.”
In his address, the Governor of Aydın, Yakup Canbolat, stated that cities are not merely composed of physical structures but that each possesses its own spirit and memory. He said:
“Aydın has hosted many civilisations throughout history and is one of the distinguished cities in human history, with its culture, fertile lands, and civilisational heritage. Having become a symbol of patriotism through the resistance it demonstrated during the Turkish War of Independence, Aydın continues to contribute to our country’s development through its potential in agriculture, trade, and tourism. By examining the values of the past on a scientific basis, this symposium will establish a strong vision for the future and make significant contributions to our city’s cultural memory and academic knowledge.”
The first session of the symposium was chaired by Prof. Dr. Mehmet Şeker. During the session, Prof. Dr. Aysun Sarıbey Haykıran delivered a presentation entitled “A Comprehensive Overview of the History of Aydın and Historical Studies”; Prof. Dr. Kemal Benlioğlu presented “An Overview of the Development of Agriculture in Aydın”; and Prof. Dr. Osman Eralp Çolakoğlu presented “Tourism in Aydın.”
Stands showcasing products unique to Aydın were also made available to participants as part of the symposium. At the end of the event, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Bülent Kent, visited the stands opened by Çineli Hanımeli Börek ve Mantı Evi, Aydiyar Olive Oils, and the Aydın World Efes Yörük-Turkmen Federation. He exchanged views with company representatives and thanked them for their support.
The “Aydın from Past to Future Symposium,” held concurrently in three separate halls, will continue from 13 to 15 November 2025.
