Turkish-American Relations Symposium

On 23 September 2013, the Bahçeşehir University Center for American Studies held a symposium discussing Turkish-American relations in the context of education, cultural exchange and civil diplomacy.

Speakers at the symposium shared their views, on behalf of their institutions, on education and its place in Turkish-American relations. The participating organizations provided information about practice-based educational opportunities through which students and educators can develop their ideas about Türkiye and gain accurate information about Turks. These organizations focused on giving people an accurate perspective on Turkish culture in general and on Turkish cuisine, Turkish music and lifestyle in Türkiye in particular. Another point the participants focused on was relations at the individual level. In this regard, the need to increase cultural exchange between Turks and Americans through education was emphasized. The programs mentioned at the symposium offered educational tours, personal cultural exchanges and opportunities to meet new and different cultures.

In addition to offering participants the opportunity to build personal networks, the symposium provided a new perspective on public diplomacy.