International Dialogue of Civilizations Symposium

The International Dialogue of Civilizations Symposium, organized with the contributions of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Turkish Historical Society, National Geographic, Bahçeşehir University, the Civilizations Research Center and Bilkent University, was held on Sunday, 4 May 2014 at Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall.

The opening speeches of the symposium, which brought together the world's leading archaeologists and historians, were delivered by Istanbul Governor Hüseyin Avni Mutlu, Bahçeşehir University President Şenay Yalçın, Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister, Chair of the United Nations (UN) Alliance of Civilizations Coordination Board and MEDAM Founding President Prof. Dr. Bekir Karlığa, and National Geographic Vice President Terry Garcia.

Following the opening speeches, sessions titled "The Meaning of Civilization (Archaeology, Religion, Philosophy)," "The Beginning of Civilizations" and "Cities and Civilization" were held with the participation of leading historians, academics and archaeologists from Türkiye and around the world. Following the programs to be held in Adıyaman, Urfa, Antep and Ankara within the scope of the International Dialogue of Civilizations Symposium, the closing meeting was held at Bahçeşehir University on Friday, 9 May 2014.