Symposium held in Bursa to commemorate 100 years of Turkey-Bulgaria relations

Photo: İHA Agency

A special symposium marking the 100th anniversary of Turkey-Bulgaria relations was held in Bursa, hosted by Bursa Uludağ University (BUÜ) in cooperation with the Bursa Balkan Migrants Culture and Solidarity Association (BAL-GÖÇ) and the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB).

The two-day event, held on October 16-17 at BUÜ’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences, brought together prominent academics, officials, and representatives from political parties and civil society organizations. Among the attendees were BUÜ Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Cafer Çiftçi, Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Mayor Mustafa Orkun Gazioğlu, Osmangazi Mayor Özge Kaya, Yıldırım Mayor Mert Tiryaki, and Lithuanian Honorary Consul Berat Tunaka.

Opening the symposium, historian Prof. Dr. Cafer Çiftçi highlighted the Turkish origins of the word “Balkan” and underscored Bursa’s critical role in the Ottoman expansion into the region.

“The process of Turkification in the Balkans began from Bursa under the leadership of Süleyman Pasha, son of Orhan Gazi. The Turks who settled in the region came to be known as ‘Evladı Fatihan,’” he said.

Prof. Dr. Çiftçi further noted that waves of migration since the 93 Harbi (Rus-Turkish War of 1877–78) have transformed Bursa into a vibrant cultural mosaic, preserving the spirit of the Balkans. He extended his gratitude to all institutions and individuals contributing to the symposium.

Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Advances Balkan Studies

Deputy Mayor Mustafa Orkun Gazioğlu emphasized the symposium’s importance in examining historical, cultural, and humanitarian ties with the Balkans through an academic lens, particularly during the centenary of Turkey-Bulgaria relations.

“As the Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, we are committed to building the future while preserving our shared heritage. In this context, we are actively working to establish a Balkan Institute that will safeguard Balkan culture, history, and friendship for generations to come,” Gazioğlu said.

BAL-GÖÇ Celebrates 40 Years

Prof. Dr. Emin Balkan, President of BAL-GÖÇ, expressed pride in celebrating the association’s 40th anniversary alongside BUÜ’s 50th anniversary. He recalled that the association was founded four decades ago to highlight the challenges faced by Turks in Bulgaria, noting that the symposium holds significance not only for Bulgaria but for all Balkan Turks.

The two-day event concluded with expert presentations and a documentary screening, offering participants a comprehensive exploration of the shared historical, cultural, and humanitarian ties between Turkey and the Balkans.

Source: haberbg.net