Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın visited IAU Nurdağı Education and Life Campus, which was established in Nurdağı district of Gaziantep after the February 6 earthquake. Making statements here, Aydın said, “IAU Nurdağı Education and Life Campus, established in the Nurdağı district of Gaziantep, has become not only an education area for the citizens affected by the February 6 earthquakes, but also a symbol of rising up again, growing hope and solidarity.”
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın stated that Istanbul Aydın University has once again shown the transformative power of education with the work carried out at the Nurdağı Campus and that they offer children and young people affected by the earthquake the opportunity to build a strong future. Aydın said, “The ‘Mathematics and Education Festival’, which will last for two weeks and organized with the contributions of academics and students, has been implemented in order to make the people of the region feel the healing power of science and learning.” He used his expressions.
Expressing that they act with the understanding that healing the wounds of the earthquake is possible not only by rebuilding physical structures, but also by empowering individuals with education, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın underlined that Istanbul Aydın University is working hard to make education accessible and sustainable in Nurdağı.
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın said, “The Anatolian Education and Culture Foundation (AKEV) has also established science laboratories, kindergarten classrooms, music workshops, libraries, sewing-embroidery workshops and computer workshops to strengthen the educational infrastructure in the region. In addition, support was provided for battery-powered chairs to support the participation of disabled individuals in society. These projects will contribute to the stronger inclusion of earthquake-affected individuals in both academic and social life.”
Franchise Istanbul Expo, organized in cooperation with TÜYAP, was held at TÜYAP Fair and Congress Center as the 33rd organization of UFRAD Franchising Association. Investors and franchise associations from more than 60 countries, especially Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Iran, India, Saudi Arabia, showed great interest in the fair.
The opening speech was given by Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, President of UFRAD, and it was emphasized that a strong ecosystem is being built that plays an important role in opening Turkey and its brands to the world markets. It was also stated that the franchising sector is a dynamic structure that not only grows companies but also strengthens the national economy and creates employment.
It was emphasized that the franchise sector has reached a size of 55 billion dollars and this figure is expected to exceed 70 billion dollars by 2025. While it was stated that the number of chain businesses in Turkey exceeded 3,700 and the number of branches linked to these businesses exceeded 66,000, it was pointed out that the number of Turkish brands operating abroad exceeded 400. It was highlighted that this data revealed the competitiveness of brands in international markets and Turkey’s role in global trade.
It was stated that Franchise Istanbul Expo is not only a fair, but also a transformation point for the sector. Within the scope of the organization, new investment opportunities, establishing international partnerships and strengthening Turkey’s entrepreneurship ecosystem were emphasized.
It was emphasized that in order for Turkish brands to remain strong in the global competitive environment, it has become inevitable to adopt a global perspective instead of thinking locally. It was stated that every brand should aim to open up to international markets and develop strategies to increase its competitiveness.
Since 1991, UFRAD Franchising Association, which has been working for the development of the franchise system, will continue to guide the sector with more than 200 members and these efforts to strengthen the franchising ecosystem will make significant contributions to Turkey’s economic growth and global success in the field of entrepreneurship.
The Turkish Exporters Assembly held a meeting in Trabzon with the participation of Trade Minister Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat to announce the January 2025 export numbers. At the meeting, it was emphasized that export numbers are increasing day by day compared to the previous year.
In particular, it was stated that export of services, which plays a critical role in closing the current account deficit, broke record after record, and that this success was possible thanks to the contributions of HIB members. While the results obtained at the meeting were welcomed, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın wished that the success achieved would be beneficial for our country and the sector.
Istanbul Aydın University organized a search conference on “Corporate Innovation and Future-Oriented Difference Making Process” in order to integrate innovative approaches into the corporate culture, make a difference and strengthen processes. On the first day of the three-day conference, which was opened by Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, an important step was taken to support the university’s vision of shaping the future and productive discussions were held on innovation-oriented strategies.
On the second day of the Search Conference on Institutional Innovation and Future-Oriented Difference Making Process, the future of higher education was discussed. Within the context of the program, Prof. Dr. Sezer Şener Komsuoğlu, Former Rector of Kocaeli University, made important evaluations on the transformation process of universities towards 2050. Prof. Dr. İlker Murat Ar, Director General of Industry at the Ministry of Industry and Technology, shared his views on the future of cooperation between industry and academia.
Former TÜBİTAK President and ITU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal talked about Turkey’s potentials in the science, technology and innovation ecosystem, while Fatma Nur Aydın, President of Kıbrıs Aydın University, evaluated the Berkeley model within the scope of good practices in universities. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Necmi İlhan, President of the Vocational Qualifications Authority, made a comprehensive presentation on the professions of the future.
In the workshop, attended by the senior management and faculty deans of Istanbul Aydın University, ways and methods to raise students as visionary individuals who can compete on a global scale by utilizing the power of innovation in education were evaluated.
It was consensus that studies will continue to be carried out in line with the vision of making a difference in higher education and shaping the future by presenting science, technology and innovation together.
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın thanked the precious speakers who contributed to the conference for their sharing and impressive presentations.
On the last day of the workshop, which was organized in cooperation with Istanbul Aydın University (IAU) and Cyprus Aydın University (KAU), goals and results were discussed and evaluated. While the participants made important contributions to the workshop, which produced significant results beyond expectations, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın expressed his gratitude to all participants who contributed.
The January meeting of the Istanbul Aydın University Batı Thought Platform was held under the leadership of former Vice Prime Minister Prof. Dr. Yalçın Akdoğan. The President of Istanbul Aydın University Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın was present at the meeting, and this month’s guest was Mr. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Antalya MP, Head of the Turkish Delegation to NATO PA and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey.
During the meeting, Mr. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu made comprehensive assessments on Turkey’s global vision and addressed critical issues such as Turkey’s relations with the European Union, regional and global balances, new dynamics in foreign policy and strategic cooperation. He also offered important perspectives by sharing his views on strong diplomacy, effective leadership and Turkey’s rising role in the international arena.
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın thanked Mr. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu for adding value to the meeting with his participation and stated that the valuable ideas he shared will shed light on future discussions.
President of Istanbul Aydın University (IAU) Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, visited Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, to hold various meetings. On the first day of the three-day visit, he met with Uzbekistan graduates of the university at the IAU Office in Tashkent. During the meeting, the success of the graduates in their professional careers and their sectoral experiences were evaluated, and the vision of Istanbul Aydın University to create a strong alumni network in the global arena was once again emphasized. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın stated that the success of the graduates is the greatest source of pride, expressing his satisfaction with their ability to reflect their academic qualifications in their careers.
On the second day of the visit, President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, visited Dr. Olgan Bekar, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Tashkent as part of his contacts in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. At the meeting, projects and new opportunities that will strengthen the strategic cooperation between Turkey and Uzbekistan were discussed, and a fruitful evaluation was made on cooperation for the development of educational and cultural relations between the two countries. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın emphasized the importance of increasing academic and commercial cooperation between the two countries and stated that the work to be carried out in this direction will be of great benefit to both sides. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın expressed his gratitude to Dr. Olgan Bekar, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey in Tashkent for his kind hosting and hospitality and expressed his belief that the strong ties of friendship between Turkey and Uzbekistan will become stronger day by day.
Later, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın held a meeting with Mr. Davron Vakhabov, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Uzbekistan. At the meeting, the development of trade cooperation between Turkey and Uzbekistan, the realization of joint projects in the field of education and the promotion of entrepreneurship were discussed. The parties exchanged ideas on the steps that can be taken to strengthen economic and academic cooperation between the two countries. After the meeting, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın thanked Mr. Davron Vakhabov for his hospitality and expressed his belief that the strong communication between the two countries will create new opportunities.
On the same day, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın met with Prof. Dr. Islambek Rustambekov, Rector of Tashkent State University of Law and discussed strengthening academic cooperation between the two universities, implementing joint projects and increasing international education opportunities in the field of law. At the meeting, joint work in scientific research and strategies to improve the quality of education were evaluated. Expressing his gratitude to Rector Prof. Dr. Islambek Rustambekov, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın stated that international academic cooperation is one of the most important elements that support sustainable development in education.
At the end of the second day of his visit to Tashkent, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın had a productive meeting with the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovations of the Republic of Uzbekistan Mr. Kongratbay Sharipov. Prof. Dr. Aydın expressed that they look forward to the valuable participation of Uzbekistan universities and the Minister in the Eurasian Higher Education Summit (EURIE), which will be held for the tenth time in this year. During the meeting, important decisions were taken to develop academic cooperation between universities in Turkey and Uzbekistan, to implement joint projects and to increase student-academic exchange programs. It was aimed to make significant contributions to the higher education system in the region, especially by sharing mutual knowledge and experience in quality assurance systems. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın expressed his sincere gratitude to Mr. Kongratbay Sharipov for his hospitality and valuable contributions to education.
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın made important statements to the press on the future of global education on the third day of his visit to Tashkent. In an interview before the “Internationalization, Research and Quality Management in Global Universities: Approaches to Sustainable Development Goals Workshop” hosted by Tashkent State Transport University of Uzbekistan, it was emphasized that universities should not only develop international collaborations but also integrate these processes into their corporate culture. Stating that universities are not only institutions that transfer knowledge, but they should also be positioned as research centers that lead social transformation and produce solutions to the problems of the future, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın said that the workshop is a big step in terms of contributing to global education policies and sustainable development goals with a common vision.
On the same day, the Eurasian Association of Universities (EURAS) Academy was held with the participation of more than 100 rectors. The event, hosted by Tashkent State Transport University, brought together Vice Ministers of Higher Education and Transport, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Tashkent Dr. Olgan Bekar and leading figures from the academic community. While many important issues from education to economy, from climate change to green energy were discussed at the meeting, it was emphasized that cooperation should be strengthened in order for universities to become more innovative, sustainable and solution-oriented structures. In his speech here, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın stated that universities should go beyond being institutions that only transfer knowledge and become structures that lead social transformation. Prof. Aydın expressed his gratitude to the Deputy Ministers of Higher Education and Transport, Turkish Ambassador to Tashkent Dr. Olgan Bekar, the administration of Tashkent State Transport University and all academic partners for contributing to the organization.
At the end of the day, he visited Target Schools in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, and met with their valuable students. In the intimate conversations where education, career planning and leadership issues were discussed, the determination, goals and excitement of young people about the future attracted attention. Prof. Dr. Aydın pointed out that the future will be shaped by young people who dream big dreams and step into these dreams with courage, and emphasized the importance of setting strong goals, constantly improving oneself with the equipment to keep up with the changing world, and moving forward with determination. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın thanked Behzat Jalilov, Founder of Target Schools, for hosting the meeting and everyone who contributed to the organization and shared his belief that young people will make the world a better place by following their dreams.
UFRAD Franchise Association organized the first Board of Directors Meeting of 2025 at Hilltown Shopping Mall Rilly Brasserie, hosted by Board Member and Gönül Kahvesi CEO Kemal Yardımcı.
At the meeting, held with the participation of Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, the performance of the franchise sector in 2024 was evaluated in detail, while strategic plans were made on the targets for 2025. Road maps for developing markets, projects to support members’ national and international growth processes, and steps that will contribute to the sustainable development of the franchise ecosystem were discussed.
In addition, the preparation process of Franchise Istanbul Expo 2025, the new opportunities it will offer to the sector and the advantages it will provide for the participating companies were evaluated in a comprehensive perspective.
After the Board meeting, UFRAD members came together at the Round Table Meeting. In this session, with the participation of leading brand representatives of the franchise sector, the national and global development of the franchise system, strategies for entering growing markets, digital transformation processes and innovative approaches were discussed. Information about Franchise Istanbul Expo 2025, one of UFRAD’s vision projects, was provided, valuable opinions were exchanged on collaborations and exhibition events that will increase international participation, and the steps to be taken for the strong growth of the franchise ecosystem and its expansion to wider markets with sustainable business models were consistently highlighted.
Istanbul Aydın University (IAU) Administrative Meeting was held under the presidency of President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, with the participation of the university’s administrative staff.
At the meeting, the future goals of the university, the projects to be realized in the new period and innovative practices for students and graduates were discussed in detail. While the studies to be carried out in order to further improve the academic and administrative processes of the university were evaluated, the strategic steps to be taken in line with the understanding of excellence in education were also discussed.
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın emphasized that the contributions of the administrators are of great importance in the constant development of the university and thanked the administrative team for their dedicated work.
The January Board of Directors Meeting of the Services Exporters Association (HIB) was held with the wide participation of sector representatives. HİB Board Member Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın also attended the meeting.
At the meeting, 2025 goals and strategic plans were discussed in detail, while efforts to increase Turkey’s strength in services exports and innovative steps for the future of the sector were emphasized. Policies and collaborations to increase global competition power in the sector were evaluated, and projects that will make the growth of service exports sustainable were discussed.
The January Board Meeting of the Eurasian Universities Union (EURAS) was held under the presidency of EURAS President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın.
During the meeting, current developments in the field of higher education were evaluated and the strategic goals of the union for 2025 were discussed. The steps to be taken to strengthening regional academic collaborations, producing sustainable projects in education and creating globally competitive universities were planned in detail.
EURAS emphasized that it will continue to contribute to the world of education by increasing international academic cooperation and thanked all members who contributed to the meeting. The Union stated that it will continue its work with determination with the mission of building a stronger and sustainable academic 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
