Dr. Selim Karagöz, one of the faculty members of our department, delivered a lecture titled "Historical and Cultural Ties of the Gagauz Turks" as part of the "Professional Development Program for History and Turkish Teachers Serving in the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia, Moldova," organized in cooperation with Aksaray University (ASU) and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA).
The event, held at the Faculty of Science and Letters conference hall, was attended by ASU Rector Prof. Dr. Alpay Arıbaş, 20 guest teachers from Moldova, our university’s academic staff, and a large number of students.
This meaningful project, jointly carried out by ASU and TİKA, aims to enhance the professional capacities of teachers providing Turkish and history education in the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia, Moldova, while revitalizing historical ties with Turkey. In the lecture, which stood out as one of the key milestones of the project comprising 30 hours of intensive training, Dr. Selim Karagöz emphasized our shared roots and cultural heritage.
Speaking at the opening of the lecture, Rector Prof. Dr. Alpay Arıbaş highlighted the significance of building bridges of the heart with kindred geographies, stating:
"This project, which we carry out in cooperation with TİKA, is not merely a professional training program; it is also a reinforcement of our ties of brotherhood with the Gagauz Turks, with whom we share a common history, culture, and language. As a university, we are proud to host such international and cultural projects."
During the lecture, Dr. Selim Karagöz delivered a detailed presentation on the historical roles of the Gagauz Turks, their success in preserving their cultural identity, and their unwavering bonds with Turkey. The event, followed with great interest by the guest teachers from Moldova, concluded with an exchange of ideas, a Q&A session, and a group photo commemoration.
On behalf of our department, we congratulate our esteemed faculty member Dr. Selim Karagöz and wish him continued success.
