The colonialism experience on Africa leaves the continent's countries facing vigorous difficulties. This was the main reason for the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (now the African Union) on 25 May 1963. Since its establishment, it has aimed to strengthen the unity and solidarity among African countries and to coordinate and intensify cooperation and efforts to ensure a better life for the continent's communities.
Africa consist of abundant natural resources, a rapidly growing population and various open markets. Depending on these geopolitical transformations, the importance and status of the continent in the international arena is increasing beside the diversification of the international actors. Hence the importance of Turkey's role in Africa as one of the middle powers with an active agenda in the international system.
Turkey published the African Policy Document in 1998, followed by Turkey's admission to the African Union as an observer member, the accreditation of the Turkish Embassy in Addis Ababa to the African Union and other regional organizations in 2005, and the first Turkish-African summit in 2008. The fact that the Turkish and African sides have made rapid breakthroughs at the political, diplomatic and economic levels in recent years raises many questions regarding the future of Turkey-Africa relations for academic researchers interested in this issue. In this context, on the occasion of the celebration of Africa Day, on May 25 every year, the departement of Political Science and Public Administration, Political Science and International Relations of (IGU) Istanbul Gelisim University organize an international scientific symposium to provide a suitable environment for academics to discuss the African future in the global world, from the perspective of Turkish-African relations.
Purpose of the symposium
The symposium aims to elaborate Turkey's policies towards the continent. To seek ways to properly use Turkey's openness to Africa, in exchange for Africa seeking new partners to realize the interests of both parties. It will also evaluate the efforts made by both sides in light of the rivalry between super and middle powers on the continent. These dimensions not only bring up different approaches of academic researchers, but also raise important questions in terms of knowing the future of Turkey-Africa relations. The symposium will offer academic researchers the opportunity to clarify their ideas in the light of a meaningful scientific debate that will attract the attention of a large number of academics from various African countries.
Scope of the Symposium
The symposium covers the following disciplines that directly concern Turkey-Africa relations: political science, international relations, economics and law. It will cover the following main topics: politics, human rights, regional organizations, economic development and diplomatic relations.
Benefits and Expectations
The scientific articles and discussions presented within the scope of the symposium will help to open new horizons that decision makers and stakeholders can trust in developing positive relations between the Turkish and African parties.
Symposium Language: Turkish, French, English, arabic