Bahcesehir University regularly hosts a diverse range of events, lectures, and educational programs on its campuses that are open to the general public. These activities reflect the University’s ongoing commitment to lifelong learning, community engagement, and the dissemination of knowledge beyond its own students and staff.
Throughout the academic year, BAU’s faculties, research centers, and student organizations organize public lectures, seminars, workshops, and cultural events. Many of these events are accessible to anyone interested, providing inclusive opportunities for learning, discussion, and participation regardless of background or affiliation.
Hundreds of open-access educational activities are organized annually at Bahçeşehir - Bahcesehir University- University, including public lectures, seminars that are freely accessible to individuals outside the university community. A selection of examples from 2024 is listed below, while many more can be found in the university’s comprehensive SDG reports and documentation.
All public events listed below are accompanied by the promotional posters and photos of the respective activities, provided as images under each title as evidence of Bahcesehir University’s open and free community educational events.
The images below show the official schedule posters for the BAU Conservatory Open Classes, indicating the dates and times of the sessions.
As part of its mission to make arts and culture accessible to the wider community, Bahcsehir University Conservatory (BAU Conservatory) continued to organize its Open Classes in 2024, inviting high school students to experience professional performing arts education firsthand.
The initiative aims to promote artistic awareness and public engagement in culture and the performing arts, while offering participants the opportunity to explore university-level conservatory training in a real stage environment. In 2024, the number and scope of open classes were further expanded to include a broader range of disciplines within the Department of Performing Arts.
During the 2024 Spring Term, the Conservatory hosted several open sessions at the BAU Pera Campus, including:
These classes, held on May 25, 2024, provided an immersive experience in stage performance, acting techniques, and musical expression. The program allowed young participants to interact directly with BAU’s academic staff and gain a deeper understanding of performing arts education.
Through such initiatives, BAU Conservatory continues to strengthen its role as a cultural and educational hub, contributing to public education and fostering appreciation for the arts in society.
The image below presents the official promotional poster for the BAU Open Lecture titled ‘What Is Social Benefit?’.
Bahcesehir - Bahçeşehir- University hosted the open lecture “What Is Social Benefit?”, organized in collaboration with the Community Volunteers Foundation (TOG). The session was held as part of the University’s ongoing commitment to public education and social awareness, aiming to strengthen the culture of volunteering, civic participation, and collective responsibility among students and the broader community and public.
The lecture explored the concepts of social impact, volunteerism, and community engagement, offering participants new perspectives on how collective action can address inequalities and contribute to the creation of a more inclusive society. Through interactive discussion and case examples, the event also emphasized the importance of partnerships and civic collaboration in generating sustainable social change.
By opening its doors to the public for such lectures, Bahcesehir University continues to foster awareness, empathy, and active citizenship, reinforcing its mission to connect higher education with the needs and values of society.
The image below shows the official promotional poster for the BAU open workshop ‘Sustainability and New Technologies in Creative Industries: 3D Printing’.
Bahcesehir University hosted the “3D Printing and Innovation” Open Workshop, which introduced participants to the fundamentals of 3D printing technology and its role in promoting sustainable production and design practices. Organized as part of the University’s broader commitment to public education, innovation, and sustainability awareness, the workshop welcomed both BAU students and members of the wider community.
Participants explored the entire process of 3D printing—from digital design and modeling to the creation of tangible prototypes—using environmentally conscious methods and sustainable materials. Alongside hands-on sessions, expert-led discussions examined the industrial, engineering, and creative applications of 3D printing, emphasizing its potential to reduce waste, optimize resource use, and support circular economy principles.
By combining theory, practice, and sustainability, the workshop fostered learning, skill development, and environmental responsibility among participants. It also highlighted how technological innovation can serve as a catalyst for sustainable development and the future workforce.
The image below displays the official promotional poster for the BAU Radio Fest open seminar ‘Animal Welfare in the Context of the Sustainable Development Goals’.
During the 2024 BAU Radio Fest, Bahcesehir University, in collaboration with CIFAL Istanbul, UNITAR and HAÇİKO hosted an open and free-to-attend session titled “Animal Welfare in the Context of the SDGs.” The event was designed to engage both BAU students and the wider public, reflecting the University’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, ethics, and community engagement.
The session focused on the relationship between animal welfare and sustainable development, highlighting how compassion, ethical awareness, and collective social responsibility contribute to healthier and more livable urban environments. Discussions addressed the protection of stray animals’ rights, the promotion of sustainable urban practices, and the role of public awareness and civic participation in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 15 (Life on Land)
The image below shows the official poster for the open lecture “Social Sciences in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: New Career Opportunities and Research Methods.”
This open-access lecture, welcomed participants from both within and outside the university who sought to enhance their knowledge and skills in the field, explored the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the social sciences. Attendees examined how AI is transforming research methodologies, creating new career opportunities, and enabling innovative applications such as data analysis, behavioral modeling, and social systems interpretation.
By making this educational event accessible to all, Bahcesehir University strengthened its role in promoting lifelong learning and technological literacy, directly contributing to SDG 4 (Quality Education) through inclusive learning opportunities and to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by fostering innovation-oriented skills for the future workforce.
The image below presents the official poster for the BAU “Politics and Society Open Seminar Series: Risks and Opportunities in Turkish Greek Relations.”
Bahsesehir University hosted a public seminar titled “Turkish–Greek Relations: Past, Present, and Future,” held as part of the University’s efforts to promote open dialogue, peace, and regional cooperation. The event was free and accessible to all interested participants, including students, academics, and members of the wider community, reinforcing BAU’s commitment to inclusive education and civic engagement.
The seminar examined the historical background, current dynamics, and future outlook of relations between Türkiye and Greece. Discussions covered political, economic, and cultural dimensions, analyzing both risks and opportunities in bilateral relations. Critical issues such as the Aegean Sea, the Cyprus question, and migration were debated in an academic and participatory setting.
Participants also addressed regional stability, explored new areas of collaboration, and proposed strategies to enhance diplomatic dialogue and mutual understanding. By facilitating an open forum for constructive discussion, the event contributed to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), supporting efforts to build a more peaceful and inclusive international order.
The image below displays the official poster for the BAU “Global Affairs Seminar Series: Public Session on Beyond the Headlines, A Discussion on Foreign Policy Analysis.”
The Global Affairs Seminar Series offers a comprehensive and in-depth examination of current international developments, providing a public academic platform that brings together scholars, practitioners, policy makers, political actors, students, and members of the public interested in global issues.
In this session, distinguished speakers went beyond traditional foreign policy analysis to explore contemporary challenges through the lens of strategic thinking in international relations. Participants gained meaningful insights into national security strategies, crisis management, and global diplomacy, examining how these elements interact in today’s complex geopolitical environment.
The seminar also served as a free and open forum where speakers and participants representing diverse political perspectives could engage in respectful and intellectually safe discussions. This inclusive approach encouraged the free exchange of ideas and critical dialogue on key global topics, reflecting Bahçeşehir University’s strong commitment to academic freedom, pluralism, and constructive debate.
Featuring presentations by expert authors and academics, the event offered innovative perspectives that inspired deeper reflection and collaboration. By fostering openness and cooperation, the seminar strengthened informed and collective approaches to global challenges, while advancing the University’s mission to promote accessible, globally engaged, and inclusive education.
The images below show the official posters for the BAU “Innovation Focus Open Training Program,” featuring the speakers and schedule.
The 7th edition of the Bahcesehir University Innovation Focus Program, organized by the BAU Hub Incubation Center in collaboration with the BAU Technology Transfer Office (TTO) was held during the 2024 Fall Semester.
This free and open-access educational program aimed to raise awareness and share knowledge on entrepreneurship, innovation, project development, patent application processes, incentives, and available supports. Through informative presentations and experience-sharing sessions, participants gained valuable insights into the entrepreneurial ecosystem and innovation landscape.
The program took place between November 12 and 19, 2024, and was conducted across two interactive sessions designed to inspire participants to take their first steps into the world of projects, startups, and innovation.
In addition to these thematic sessions, the program also featured entrepreneurship training modules focusing on:
The BAU Innovation Focus Program provided an inclusive learning environment for students, young professionals, and aspiring entrepreneurs, helping them to develop their entrepreneurial mindset and creative problem-solving skills.
Conducted in an open and completely free format, the program once again reflected Bahçeşehir University’s commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning.
The image below shows the official poster for the BAU “Netflix x Bahçeşehir University: Collaborative Pathways for Innovation in Communication and Media.”
This open lecture explored the growing importance of partnerships between universities and the communication industry, emphasizing how collaboration between academia and practice drives progress in the field. The discussion addressed the transformative role of emerging communication technologies, the integration of academic research with real-world applications, and how creative media content—such as television series and digital productions—can serve as powerful tools for learning and innovation.
Designed as a public and inclusive event, the session welcomed students, young professionals, and individuals seeking to develop their skills and careers in the communication industry. Participants had the opportunity to engage directly with experts, gain insights into sectoral trends, and explore pathways for personal and professional growth.
By fostering collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange, the event highlighted strategies to advance technological development, strengthen industry–university cooperation, and empower the next generation of communication professionals to contribute meaningfully to the evolving media landscape.
The image below presents the official poster for the BAU “Sustainable Logistics and Supply Chain Open Panel.”
The panel, organized by Bahcesehir University in collaboration with CIFAL Istanbul, UNITAR, focused on the importance of sustainable practices in logistics and supply chain management. Discussions explored strategies to reduce carbon emissions, enhance resource efficiency, and promote innovative logistics solutions addressing key challenges in the sector.
Held as a public event open to external participants, the panel highlighted the essential role of logistics and supply chains in advancing responsible production, climate action, biodiversity protection, and sustainable infrastructure development.
The images below show the promotional posters of the “Zero Tolerance for Violence on My Campus” seminar series organized by Bahcesehir University in collaboration with CIFAL Istanbul, UNITAR and Yanındayız Association.
The project “Zero Tolerance to Violence on My Campus”, hosted by Bahcesehir University (BAU) in collaboration with CIFAL Istanbul and UNITAR, and supported by the Yanındayız Association and the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Istanbul, aimed to raise awareness about dating violence and to promote gender-sensitive approaches within higher education environments.
Held at Bahsesehir University, the initiative consisted of three interactive sessions, including training, workshops, and a public panel open to all university students. These sessions created a participatory platform for developing concrete solutions, encouraging gender equality, reducing inequalities, and fostering cooperation across institutions and communities.
The images illustrate the implementation of the “Zero Tolerance for Violence on My Campus” seminar series, showcasing awareness-raising and capacity-building sessions conducted within the framework of the project.
The image below illustrates the poster of “Politics and Society Seminar Series” event held at Bahcesehir University, focusing on gender justice and inclusive local governance.
Organized by Bahcesehir University (BAU), this open seminar focused on gender justice and the organizational dynamics within local governments, providing a learning platform for local government representatives and policy makers.
With BAU alumna Melis Arıksoy as guest speaker, the session explored the relationship between fairness in governance structures, gender equality, and the creation of inclusive decision-making environments. Discussions highlighted how equitable representation and transparent processes contribute to stronger democratic governance.
The seminar also emphasized the role of education, dialogue, and institutional capacity-building in advancing gender-sensitive policies at the local level. By engaging practitioners, academics, and public officials, the event aimed to strengthen awareness, promote cooperation, and encourage practical strategies for building inclusive and gender-responsive institutions.
The image below shows the promotional poster of the open panel “Invisible Chains: Multidimensional Strategies to End Modern Slavery.”
Organized by Bahcesehir University (BAU) in collaboration with the Social Equality Association, this training was held in recognition of the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery. The event addressed human trafficking and modern slavery from a multidimensional and policy-oriented perspective, bringing together students, academics, and policy makers for an open and educational discussion.
Speakers explored the global and local dimensions of these critical issues, emphasizing the importance of reducing inequalities, promoting peace and justice, and strengthening institutional frameworks to combat exploitation. The panel also provided participants with valuable educational insights into the social, economic, and legal aspects of modern slavery, fostering awareness and collaboration across sectors in the fight for human dignity and equality.
The image below shows the promotional poster of the “Politics and Society Seminar Series” open panel titled “A Second Trump Term: What It Means for the US and the World.”
Organized by Bahcesehir University, this seminar examined the potential impacts of a second Trump administration on both domestic politics and international affairs. The event provided an analytical platform for discussing how a renewed U.S. leadership under Donald Trump could influence global governance, peace, and justice, as well as the broader dynamics shaping international stability.
Held as a free and public seminar open to all interested participants, the session encouraged open dialogue and critical reflection on contemporary political developments, fostering a deeper understanding of their implications for global order and democratic values.
The image below shows the promotional poster of Women’s Human Rights and Participatory Democracy webinar.
As part of Women’s Rights Day, Bahcesehir University (BAU), CIFAL Istanbul, UNITAR, the Gender Equality Monitoring Association (FEJUST), and BAU’s Political Science and International Relations Club jointly organized the webinar “Women’s Rights and Participatory Democracy.”
The event explored the interconnections between women’s rights and inclusive democratic participation, highlighting the importance of empowering women in civic and political life. Through engaging discussions and expert contributions, the webinar encouraged strategies to reduce inequalities, promote active citizenship, and strengthen democratic inclusion.
Held as a free and public event, the session fostered awareness and dialogue among students, academics, and professionals committed to advancing gender equality and participatory governance.
The images below show the promotional poster and a group photo of the first session of the “Sexual Health Talks” series titled “Media, Representation, and Social Awareness.”
The first session of the Sexual Health Talks, organized by CIFAL Istanbul, UNITAR, and Bahcesehir University’s Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, brought together Sociologist Songül Olağ Ercan and Lecturer Handan Eriten Tilaver for an insightful discussion on how sexuality is represented in media and advertising and how these portrayals influence social perceptions and behaviors.
The session emphasized the critical importance of accurate information, open dialogue, and comprehensive education in promoting sexual health and well-being. Participants explored the relationship between media narratives and public attitudes, discussing how education and awareness can challenge stereotypes and foster healthier perspectives on sexuality.
Held as a free and public event open to everyone, the session aimed to increase social awareness and understanding around sexual health, supporting inclusive education, public engagement, and community well-being in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
The image below shows the promotional poster of the “FEASS Research Seminars” session titled Supervising in the Age of AI: Navigating Student Use of ChatGPT in Graduate and Undergraduate Work.
The session explored the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI tools into academic advising, focusing on how emerging technologies can enhance learning experiences, streamline academic guidance, and foster innovative approaches in education and research.
Speakers discussed the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in higher education — from personalized learning and data-driven student support to the ethical considerations surrounding its use. Real-world examples illustrated how AI can serve as a bridge between technology and pedagogy, improving both accessibility and academic performance.
Held as a free and public session open to all students, the event aimed to raise awareness about responsible AI adoption in academia, encouraging participants to think critically about how technology can be harnessed to promote inclusion, creativity, and continuous learning.
The image below shows the promotional poster of the Newton and the Global Legacy of Newtonianism Open Workshop.
Bahcesehir University hosted the international workshop “Newton and the Global Legacy of Newtonianism” between 11–15 November 2024 at its Beşiktaş South Campus, Faculty of Law Building.
The event brought together approximately 15 international scholars from diverse disciplines to critically examine Eurocentric approaches to Newtonian studies and to explore global methodological perspectives emerging in the field.
Through presentations and discussions, participants reflected on the cultural, philosophical, and scientific dimensions of Newtonianism, highlighting its enduring influence across different world regions. The workshop demonstrated Bahçeşehir University’s commitment to fostering international academic dialogue and advancing inclusive, cross-cultural perspectives in the history of science.
The image below shows the promotional poster of the “Creative Drama Workshop in Education,” organized by Bahcesehir University.
Bahcesehir University’s Children’s Club organized the “Creative Drama Workshop in Education” on 23 October 2024 at the Beşiktaş South Campus.
The session, led by Utku Haser, focused on the use of creative drama as an innovative pedagogical method to enhance learning experiences and student engagement.
The workshop provided participants with practical tools to integrate drama techniques into educational contexts, fostering creativity, communication, and emotional expression in teaching.
The image below shows the promotional poster of “TechCamp 2024: Digital Innovation for Disaster Preparedness.”
Bahcesehir University hosted TechCamp 2024, a three-day educational hackathon designed to raise awareness about earthquakes and promote disaster preparedness through digital games and interactive storytelling.
The event brought together students from different universities, educators, and professionals from the technology and creative industries to co-develop innovative tools that enhance public understanding of disaster resilience. Participants took part in mentorship sessions and hands-on training led by experts in digital media, technology, and disaster management, enabling them to design socially impactful game prototypes that communicate messages of safety, resilience, and solidarity during natural disasters.
Organized in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy and various local partners, TechCamp 2024 combined education, technology, and civic engagement within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The program provided free, inclusive workshops on earthquake preparedness, digital storytelling, and game design for social good, empowering young innovators to use technology as a force for community awareness and collective resilience.
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