The Alliance of Civilizations Institute (MEDIT) began the 2026–2027 academic year with its Orientation Program, held on September 22, 2026, at the Süleymaniye Salis Madrasa. The program brought together MEDIT’s new students and provided an introduction to the Institute’s academic vision, institutional framework, and intellectual community.
The program opened with an Inaugural Lecture by Prof. Dr. Gültekin Yıldız of Istanbul University, entitled “Is a non-Eurocentric World History Possible?: An Attempt to Read the Modern History in a Universal Perspective.” In his lecture, Prof. Dr. Yıldız explored the possibilities of understanding modern world history from a universal and non-Eurocentric perspective, inviting students to reflect on how historical narratives are constructed and interpreted. The lecture was followed by a Q&A session, providing students with an opportunity to engage with the themes raised during the talk.
Assoc. Prof. Vahdettin Işık, Director of MEDIT, then welcomed the new students and shared his reflections on beginning their academic journey in Istanbul. He encouraged students to make the most of their time in the city by engaging not only with its rich history and cultural heritage but also with its contemporary intellectual dynamism.
The orientation continued with an introduction to university regulations and academic procedures by Dr. Ercüment Asil and Afşin Murat Taştan. Dr. Rahmi Oruç also introduced the newly launched Argumentation program, which welcomes its first cohort of students in the 2026–2027 academic year.
This year, MEDIT welcomed 45 new students from 18 countries, further contributing to the diversity of its academic community.
The program concluded with separate meetings for students according to their programs and stages of study. PhD, MA, and preparatory-year students met in their respective groups, while the first cohort of the newly established Argumentation program gathered separately. The day concluded with a group photo, marking the beginning of a new academic year and a new chapter in the students’ academic journeys at MEDIT.
