The expanded May meeting of the HIB Educational Committee, chaired by Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, Vice President of the Service Exporters’ Association (HİB) and Chairman of the Educational Services Committee, was held with the participation of representatives from member universities.
During the meeting, discussions focused on the challenges universities face in recruiting international students, and various solution proposals were evaluated.
In a ceremony attended by Istanbul Topkapı University ITU President Nihat Kırmızı, Vice President Nabi Kırmızı, Rector Prof. Dr. Emre Alkin, and Secretary General Dr. Bora Gündüzyeli, Istanbul Aydın University President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın was awarded the title of “Professor.”
With this recognition, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın achieved yet another milestone in his distinguished career. All attendees of the program extended their congratulations to him.
The Western Platform meeting, organized in collaboration with the T.R. Prague Embassy and the Istanbul Aydın University (IAU) Western Studies Application and Research Center, was held with the participation of IAU President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, Czech Republic Ambassador at the Prague Turkish Embassy, former EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Dr. Egemen Bağış, and former Czech Republic EU Minister and Commissioner Štefan Füle.
In his speech at the meeting, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın said, “Our meeting on ‘Global Conflicts and Educational Diplomacy’ once again highlighted the importance of education in international relations. Education has become an element that determines the fate of not only individuals but also societies. Expanding education in conflict areas and strengthening educational diplomacy will lay the foundations for a more just and sustainable peace worldwide. Let us not forget that education not only imparts knowledge but also brings people together and gives hope. It is in our hands to build the future. We express our gratitude to T.R. Prague Ambassador Dr. Egemen Bağış for his hospitality.”
Istanbul Aydın University (IAU) has signed a MOU with Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic, one of the world’s oldest universities, established in 1348.
In this context, IAU President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın stated, “With the academic and cultural student and staff exchanges that will take place, along with joint research projects, we aim for stronger collaboration in the scientific field. We are progressing together towards greater achievements! We extend our thanks to Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Eva Voldřichová Beránková for her hospitality.”
On the fourth day of his visit to Azerbaijan, Istanbul Aydın University President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın participated in the “Seher’s Status” program on Space TV. During the program, they discussed the relations between Turkey and Azerbaijan and the latest developments in education, sharing common visions and future perspectives. In this context, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın made the following remarks:
“Aiming for excellence in higher education, scientific research, and contributions to science, we visited Odlar Yurdu University, one of Azerbaijan’s leading universities internationally recognized. We had a productive meeting regarding educational collaborations with my dear friend, the Founding Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmed Valiyev, and Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Samir Valiyev. We continue to take steps to further strengthen educational cooperation between the two countries. We extend our gratitude for their excellent hospitality. As Istanbul Aydın University, we have signed a comprehensive cooperation protocol with Azerbaijan Technical University, one of Azerbaijan’s leading universities. This partnership will open new horizons in education and research, contributing to mutual development through the sharing of knowledge and experience. We also thank Rector Prof. Dr. Vilayat Valiyev for his hospitality.”
Following the program, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın visited Odlar Yurdu University, one of Azerbaijan’s leading universities, where he had a meeting with the Founding Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmed Valiyev and Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Samir Valiyev to discuss educational collaborations and strengthening educational partnerships between Azerbaijan and Turkey.
A comprehensive cooperation protocol was signed between Azerbaijan Technical University, one of Azerbaijan’s leading universities, and Istanbul Aydın University. Expressing their aim to open new horizons in education and research fields and contribute to mutual development through knowledge and experience sharing, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, the President of IAÜ, thanked Prof. Dr. Vilayat Valiyav, the Rector of Azerbaijan Technical University, for their hospitality.
Subsequently, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın visited Khazar University, a member of the Eurasian Universities Union (EURAS), and met with the students. In his speech during the meeting, he highlighted the following points:
“Today, we came together with Khazar University students to address an important topic on innovation and leadership in education. Education is the cornerstone of society and the shaper of the future. Therefore, it is extremely important for us to emphasize innovative thinking and leadership qualities in education. Innovation is an indispensable tool for transformation and progress in education. With the discovery of new technologies and pedagogical approaches, more effective and diversified methods can be developed in the education process. It is inevitable to use innovative applications to capture the interest of our students and make the learning process more effective. However, the effective implementation of innovation is closely related to leadership. Leadership in education relies on a visionary perspective, bold decision-making, and a collaborative approach. Good leaders share their vision, motivate people, and give them courage. However, it must be remembered that success is not only individual but also team-based. A good leader encourages teamwork, allows everyone to utilize their strengths, and unites differences. Leadership in education is the art of ensuring this unity. We wish all our principals success on their challenging journey as educators and leaders, and we thank Principal Gönül Tahmezova of 7th High School for their wonderful hospitality.”
On the final day of his Azerbaijan visit, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın took significant steps towards strengthening educational and academic collaborations, engaging in various meetings in this context.
On the third day of his visit to Azerbaijan, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın participated in the Turkish World Economic Forum, organized in Baku by the Azerbaijan Franchise Association (AFA) and the Azerbaijan Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (KOBSKA). In his address as the President of UFRAD, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın highlighted the significance of the franchising sector, stating, “Today, as UFRAD, we believe that with a business volume reaching 55 billion dollars, our Franchising Sector will continue to be one of the key drivers of our economy in the coming years with the momentum we have gained. These figures, demonstrating that the Turkish franchise sector is a significant player not only for Turkey but also for the Turkish world and international trade, are of great importance for regional cooperation and economic integration. We extend our gratitude to the President of the Azerbaijan Franchise Association, Camid Mövsümov, the Board of Directors and Members of the Azerbaijan Franchise Association, the Azerbaijan Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (KOBSKA), and all participants present here today for making this meaningful event possible.”
Following this, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın conducted a seminar titled “Teaching and Leadership in Higher Education in the New Era” at Baku Higher Oil School, a member of the Eurasian Universities Union (EURAS). Addressing the educators, he remarked, “Education is a true transformative tool. Every lesson, every research project, and every interaction with a student can leave a profound impact on another’s life. Therefore, we must use every day not just to impart knowledge but to create an inspiring experience. We are the guardians and carriers of higher education. We hold the power to shape the future, and with this power comes responsibility. Hence, we must act with awareness of this responsibility every single day. We express our heartfelt thanks to the Rector of Baku Higher Oil School, my dear friend Prof. Dr. Elmar Gasimov, for their excellent hospitality.”
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın’s third day in Azerbaijan was marked by his active participation in significant economic and educational forums, reinforcing the collaborative efforts and sharing insights that foster growth and cooperation between Turkey and Azerbaijan.
Istanbul Aydın University President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın visited his esteemed friend Prof. Dr. Hasan Hasanov, the former Prime Minister, politician, and diplomat of the Republic of Azerbaijan. During the visit, they discussed a joint book project focusing on the life of the distinguished Azerbaijani statesman Neriman Nermanov. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın remarked, “We will continue to work towards strengthening the friendship and cooperation between the two countries. We extend our thanks for their excellent hospitality.”
Additionally, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın met with Azerbaijani alumni of Istanbul Aydın University. He said, “We both relieved our longing and listened to their career experiences. I am glad to have met you, and glad you were our students. We are proud of you. We are one big family!”
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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