The April Board of Directors Meeting of the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK) was held with the participation of Prof. Dr. Vedat Işıkhan, Minister of Labor and Social Security of the Republic of Türkiye. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, DEİK Board Member and President of the Foreign Exchange Earning Services Working Group, also attended the meeting.
At the meeting, which was held with the active participation of Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, Türkiye’s employment policies, current developments in working life and global economic developments were discussed and comprehensive evaluations were made. The importance of the work carried out under the roof of DEİK to contribute to Türkiye’s economic development and to achieve a stronger position in the international arena was underlined once again.
Furthermore, the second workshop of the DEİK Foreign Exchange Earning Services Working Group was also held with a wide participation. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, who chaired the workshop, stated that in line with the opinions of different sector representatives, the problems faced in service exports were discussed in all aspects and solution proposals were meticulously developed.
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın thanked Mehmet Ali Yalçındağ, Member of the Board of Directors of DEIK and President of the Türkiye-Germany Business Council, for his valuable contributions and economic assessments, especially on Germany.
Within the scope of the workshop, productive sessions were held on Türkiye-European Union relations, economic and diplomatic dynamics, problems experienced in visa processes, increasing the export potential of the service sector and developing cooperation.
Under the leadership of DEİK and Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, it was underlined that concrete steps will continue to be taken with determination to overcome the obstacles Türkiye faces in services exports and to take a more effective place in the global market.
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın visited the construction process of BİL Educational Institutions’ new campus in Manisa. The campus, which attracts attention with its modern architecture and strong technological background reflecting the contemporary education approach, stands out with its student-oriented structure.
Making comments during the field trip, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın emphasized that they design education not only as a transfer of knowledge, but also as an inspiring living space. He stated that they are very happy that this new educational center, which will carry the light of science and modern education to Manisa in the 102nd year of our Republic, has joined the BİL family.
Manisa BİL College will prepare its students not only for exams but also for life with smart classrooms, technology-supported learning environment, social-cultural activities and a guidance system that focuses on individual development.
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın thanked the Deputy Governor of Manisa, the Mayor of Manisa, the Provincial Director of National Education and all stakeholders who supported the project and wished the new campus to be beneficial for Manisa and our country.
On the third day of the 10th Eurasian Higher Education Summit – EURIE 2025, EURAS April Executive Board Meeting was held in Istanbul under the presidency of EURAS President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın and with the participation of member universities. During the meeting, ongoing projects were evaluated, the status of existing collaborations was reviewed and ideas were discussed on strategic steps for the future. It was emphasized once again that EURAS will continue its journey of building a strong academic bridge from Eurasia to the world with the same dedication.
The closing session of EURIE 2025 brought together important actors of higher education. EURAS President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, Istanbul Technical University (ITU) Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal, Postdam University Rector Prof. Dr. Florian Schweigert, Turkish-German University Consortium General Coordinator Prof. Dr. Ferit Küçükay and DAAD Secretary General Kai Sicks discussed the future of internationalization in higher education.
After the closing ceremony, Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal, Former President of TÜBİTAK and Rector of ITU, was presented with a special award in honor of EURIE’s 10th anniversary.
All academic stakeholders who contributed were thanked and wished to achieve many more successes together in this valuable platform that removes borders in education.
The Council of Higher Education of Republic of Türkiye (CoHE) Panel, which took place on the second day of the Eurasian Higher Education Summit – EURIE 2025, enlightened the present and future of higher education with the participation of experts in their fields.
The panel was moderated by Prof. Dr. Haldun Göktaş, Deputy President of YÖK, with the participation of EURAS President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın. CoHE Executive Board Member Prof. Dr. Naci Gündoğan, CoHE Member Prof. Dr. Derviş Karaboğa and CoHE International Relations Director Mustafa Efe took part in the panel with their speeches. The panel turned into a seminal meeting where knowledge and experiences were shared.
On the same day, a Türkiye-Malaysia Common Forum was held under the chairmanship of Prof. Dr. Haldun Göktaş, Deputy President of the Council of Higher Education of the Republic of Türkiye (CoHE), with the presence of Minister of Education Malaysia Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir, and with the participation of rectors of Turkish universities. The forum drew attention as an important step towards strengthening the cooperation between the two countries in the field of education.
Within the scope of the summit, meetings with delegations from Brazil, Poland, Romania, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, as well as officials from the German Education Agency DAAD, brought cooperation opportunities covering a wide range of topics from academic mobility to joint research projects, from student and academic exchange to workshops. These meetings also set the stage for the sharing of common values and global responsibilities.
Furthermore, the Eurasian Association of Universities (EURAS) Members Forum was also held with the participation of Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir, Minister of Higher Education of Malaysia. At the forum, important decisions were discussed in line with the goals of developing cooperation between universities in Eurasia and increasing the exchange of knowledge and experience.
All these events, hosted by Istanbul Aydın University, were one of the strong steps taken for a more fair and accessible academic world that goes beyond borders in higher education.
The Eurasia Higher Education Summit (EURIE), Türkiye’s international showcase in the field of higher education, has opened its doors for the 10th time in Istanbul between April 8-10, 2025. The summit, which brings together prestigious universities, academics and leading representatives of the higher education sector from all over the world every year, was held successfully and with great participation this year.
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, President of EURAS and Istanbul Aydın University, made the opening speech at the summit and highlighted the competencies that will stand out in the business world of the future. Prof. Aydın pointed to the skills that are transforming in many areas from artificial intelligence and data expertise to critical thinking, emotional intelligence and technological literacy, and emphasized that these competencies will be crucial for global competitiveness.
EURIE 2025, where 320 institutions from 65 countries participated this year and 156 speakers shared knowledge and experience in 52 sessions, was not only a summit but also a strong sign of Türkiye’s leadership vision in international education diplomacy. Expressing his gratitude to all stakeholders who supported the summit, Prof. Dr. Aydın said, “This journey, which started with a big dream 10 years ago, has turned into a success written in golden letters in our higher education history.”
At the opening of the summit, President of the Council of Higher Education of Republic of Türkiye (CoHE) Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar made a speech and shared Türkiye’s internationalization goals in higher education. Malaysian Minister of Higher Education Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir also addressed the participants with a speech shedding light on the future of academic cooperation between countries. Dr. Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, and Martin Hope, Global Chair of the British Council, also made valuable contributions highlighting the power of international education to transform individuals and society.
EURIE Honorary Awards, specially given for the 10th anniversary of the Summit, were presented to Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bolat, President of the Board of Directors of Turkish Airlines, Ivor Emmanuel, International Director of UC Berkeley University, and Prof. Dr. Florian Schweigert, Rector of Potsdam University, for their global vision, leadership and contributions to higher education.
Great Interest from Young People to Imagine Tomorrow Entrepreneurship and Innovation Event
The 8th Imagine Tomorrow Entrepreneurship and Innovation Event, organized simultaneously with EURIE 2025, attracted great interest. With the participation of 130 entrepreneurs and 58 stands, the creative ideas of young people and their courage to produce came to the front. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın stated that this event offered young entrepreneurs the opportunity to express themselves on an international platform and said, “These contributions to the entrepreneurship ecosystem are among the most valuable investments in the future of our country.”
Within the scope of the Summit, Mr. Davut Gül, Governor of Istanbul, Mr. Mustafa Gültepe, President of the Turkish Exporters Assembly, Mr. Şekib Avdagiç, President of the Service Exporters Association and ITO, also contributed to EURIE 2025 with their support.
The summit, which was crowned with a gala dinner on the Bosphorus, turned into a multi-dimensional platform where friendships were strengthened and bridges of cooperation were built, not just an academic gathering.
EURIE 2025 is not just a Summit; it is Türkiye’s Strategic Walk in International Education
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın stated that they continue on their way with the same determination in their 10th year and said, “We are here to share knowledge without borders and to build a common academic future. Every year, we are walking forward together with a stronger and louder voice.”
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, President of Istanbul Aydın University, met with Iranian students and important names of Iranian cinema during the shooting of the TV series at the university.
The shooting of the series, directed by the famous director İbrahim Şeybani and starring the well-known Iranian actor Mohammad Reza Foroutan, was held at Istanbul Aydın University Halit Aydın Campus. Prof. Dr. Aydın, who took a close interest in the students on the shooting day, emphasized the importance of bringing art and cultural production together with education and expressed his pleasure to share this special moment with international students.
This meaningful meeting was a reflection of the importance the university attributes to intercultural interaction and its student-oriented approach.
Cyprus Aydın University Honorary President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın visited the university and carried out comprehensive examinations on institutional development, academic structure and physical facilities. Within the scope of the visit, Prof. Dr. Aydın visited different units of the university and was informed by authorities about current status of the campus and ongoing construction projects.
Prof. Dr. Aydın also examined the dormitory Project under construction at Arapköy Social Complex, made evaluations about the current progress of the Works and shared his suggestions fort he continuation of the process in accordance with planned schedule.
In another part of the visit. Prof.Dr. Mustafa Aydın met with the deans of faculties and directors of colleges and underlined the importance of acting in line with a common goal regarding the vision and mission of the university. During the meeting, new projects that will contribute to the future of the university were discussed and the efforts to provide students with a more modern and well-equipped educational environment were discussed.
The traditional Eid celebration ceremony at Istanbul Aydın University was held under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, President of the Board of Trustees. The academic and administrative staff of the university showed great interest in the ceremony, where feelings of unity and solidarity were at the forefront.
In his speech at the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın emphasized that education is the most precious heritage to be left to future generations. Stating that they are working with determination to prepare young people for a bright future, Prof. Dr. Aydın sincerely thanked all his colleagues who contributed to this process.
In the program, the senior management of the university as well as academic and administrative staff took the stage and shared their Eid wishes. In the meeting, which took place in a sincere atmosphere, the participants renewed their feelings of solidarity and brotherhood and experienced the spiritual atmosphere of Eid together.
The Istanbul Aydın University family once again shared the happiness of being together on this special day and wished to come together with the same feelings on many more holidays.
A meaningful iftar program was organized at Istanbul Aydın University to keep the spirit of unity, solidarity and sharing of Ramadan alive. IAU President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, representatives of non-governmental organizations, officials from educational institutions and valuable members of the consulates of various countries came together at the same table at the meeting held at T Block Social Sciences Campus.
This special iftar program, which took place in the spiritual atmosphere of the blessed month of Ramadan, was one of the best examples of unity and solidarity. Participants had the opportunity to have a sincere sharing in an evening of tolerance and friendship.
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın thanked all the guests who attended this meaningful organization and accepted the invitation. He stated that the presence of the participants deepens the meaning of the peaceful tables established in such a special period of time.
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, President of Istanbul Aydın University and President of the Anatolian Education and Culture Foundation (AKEV), took part as a speaker at the XVIIIth Euro-Mediterranean Dialogue Conference was held in the historic city of Marsala, Italy. “The event was organized by the Committee for European-Mediterranean Cooperation of Local and Regional Authorities (COPPEM) and the Phoenicians Route: A Dialogue Among Peers” was organized by the Committee for Cooperation of Local and Regional Authorities in Europe and the Mediterranean (COPPEM) and the Phoenicians Route.
In his speech, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın highlighted that the Mediterranean has been a cultural bridge that has brought different civilizations together throughout history, and emphasized that today this rich heritage is at risk from global crises, geopolitical instability, forced migration and environmental threats.
Prof. Dr. Aydın stated that universities should lead cultural diplomacy in this context and emphasized the responsibility of the academic world. He stated that projects supporting cultural cooperation are vital in terms of preserving the common past and transferring it to the future.
He also shared the role of digital transformation in the protection of cultural heritage, citing the “Digitization of Cultural Heritage Project (KÜMSA)” implemented by the Anadolu Education and Culture Foundation as an example.
At the end of the conference, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın thanked all participants who contributed to the event and emphasized that they will continue to see the Mediterranean not only as a geography carrying the traces of the past, but also as a common ground for peace, collaboration and a sustainable future.
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Istanbul Aydin University Chairman of the Board of Trustees / BIL Holding and BIL Education Institutions Chairman of the Board of Directors / Cyprus Science University Honorary President
