International Symposium on the Black Sea and Caspian Basin Countries Held at Istanbul Gelisim University

Hosted by Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU), the International Symposium on the Black Sea and Caspian Basin Countries brought to the forefront key issues such as regional cooperation, energy policies, and the future of the Turkic world. Opening remarks were delivered by Abdülkadir Gayretli, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Istanbul Gelisim University; Prof. Necmettin Maraşlı, Vice Rector of IGU; and Prof. Volkan Öngel, Rector of Istanbul Beykent University.

A Unifying Force in Regional Cooperation

Speaking to the press prior to the symposium, IGU Chairman of the Board of Trustees Abdülkadir Gayretli emphasized Türkiye’s unifying role in regional collaborations, stating:
“The Turkic Republics have now become an inseparable brotherly part of Türkiye. Just as our bond with Azerbaijan is defined by the motto ‘two states, one nation,’ the same holds true for other Turkic Republics as well.”

“Resource Development and Türkiye’s Leadership in This Process Are Crucial”

Delivering a message of unity and solidarity, Gayretli continued:
“What matters most is Türkiye’s revitalization and success in economic and political fields. The only way to achieve this is through unity. Türkiye’s goal is not only its own development but also the shared advancement of the Turkic world. Natural gas and petroleum resources play a crucial role in the Republic of Türkiye, along with valuable elements and reserves that hold great importance. Türkiye possesses these resources, though many remain untapped. With the extraction of natural gas in the Black Sea and oil in the Southeast, Türkiye has significant potential in both surface and underground resources. The key lies in developing these resources and Türkiye taking the lead in this process. Our goal is to see wealthier and more prosperous Turkic Republics in the near future.”
He concluded his speech by highlighting Türkiye’s pivotal role for the Turkic Republics, stating: “The Turkic Republics are no longer alone. Türkiye’s success means the success of the entire Turkic world.

“We Truly Needed Such a Symposium”

Prof. Necmettin Maraşlı, Vice Rector of IGU, underscored the geopolitical and economic importance of the region, saying:
“When we look at the countries in the Black Sea and Caspian regions, we see an area of great importance in terms of economics and international politics. We truly needed such a symposium. The topics discussed here will also help provide solutions to various social challenges.”

A Platform for Regional Cooperation and Academic Exchange

The International Symposium on the Black Sea and Caspian Basin Countries made a significant contribution to regional vision by academically addressing critical themes such as energy security, geopolitical balance, cultural interaction, economic development, and international cooperation. Bringing together distinguished academics, decision-makers, and strategic actors, the symposium served as an important platform that further strengthened Türkiye’s unifying role in the region.