Istanbul Gelişim University Hosted a Symposium Shedding Light on the Future of the Middle East
Istanbul Gelişim University, which supports scientific output and international academic collaborations, continues to contribute to academic debates on a global scale through the international events it organises.
In this context, the 10th International Middle East Symposium, hosted by Istanbul Gelişim University, addressed the political, social and economic issues of the Middle East through multi-dimensional scientific approaches under the theme ‘Future Expectations’.
Organised in collaboration between Istanbul Gelişim University’s Centre for Political and Social Research (İGÜSAM) and the MOKHA Centre for Strategic Research, the symposium brought together academics and expert researchers from various countries.
Regional Issues Discussed from a Scientific Perspective
At the symposium, held on 12 May 2026, issues threatening regional stability—such as occupations, terrorist activities, ethnic and sectarian conflicts, human rights violations, income inequality and poverty, which have persisted in the Middle East for many years—were comprehensively assessed.
In the presentations delivered by leading academics in their respective fields, solutions focused on peace, security and stability for the region’s future were discussed, whilst a framework for scholarly debate was established within the context of various disciplines, including history, political science and international relations.
Academics and Expert Researchers Gathered at the Symposium
The academic coordination of this year’s symposium—the tenth to be held—was undertaken by Prof. Dr. Şenol Durgun, Head of the Department of Political Science and Public Administration at Istanbul Gelişim University; Ateq Garallah, President of the MOKHA Centre for Strategic Studies; Dr Emre Gündoğdu, a lecturer in the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Istanbul Gelişim University; Moohialdin Mohammed Mohsen Saeed, Head of the MOKHA Turkish Studies Unit; and Abdulsalam Saeed Dawood Wahib, a member of MOKHA.
During the symposium, academics and experts from various countries presented different perspectives on the future of the Middle East, whilst emphasising that sustainable peace can only be achieved through dialogue, cooperation and inclusive policies.
A Scientific Contribution to the Future of the Middle East
The scientific studies presented at the symposium, which was attended by a large number of participants, are expected to have a significant impact on the academic world, whilst it is anticipated that the event will continue in the coming years with even broader international participation.
