At Columbia Global Center Istanbul, we believe that meaningful dialogue and collaboration are essential for addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. Our public engagement initiatives are designed to connect people across disciplines, cultures, and borders, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas and inspiring action. Through a diverse range of programs, we create opportunities for learning, discussion, and community building.
Public Speaker Series: Our public speaker engagements bring together distinguished academics, intellectuals, business leaders, and artists to discuss issues with profound regional and global impact. These thought-provoking lectures draw a diverse audience, sparking conversations on the most compelling topics of our time. By providing a lively platform for the exchange of ideas, we aim to inspire new perspectives and drive meaningful discourse.
Conferences and Workshops: In collaboration with the Columbia campus and regional partners, Columbia Global Center Istanbul organizes a diverse range of conferences, workshops, seminars, and film screenings throughout the year. These events bring together local and international experts to foster academic dialogue, intellectual engagement, and cultural exchange. Many of these events are open to the public, ensuring that these vital conversations and experiences extend beyond academic circles and resonate within the broader community.
Student and Alumni Relations: As a hub for Columbia students and alumni in the region, the Istanbul Center fosters a strong sense of community through regular gatherings and events. These meetings provide current and prospective students, parents, and alumni with opportunities to connect, learn about our projects and programs, and engage with Columbia’s mission of global education. We aim to strengthen ties among our community members, supporting their continued growth and connection to the university.
Public Engagement Highlights
Public Speaker Series
On the eve of the critical May 14 elections, Soli Özel provided an in-depth analysis of Turkey's political landscape, just months before the nation marked the 100th anniversary of the Turkish Republic on October 29, 2023. The event explored the deep-seated cleavages that have shaped Turkish politics, particularly the religious/conservative versus secular/modern divide that has been a defining feature over the past two decades. Özel discussed how the previous government capitalized on this polarization for electoral gain and how the contest leading up to the election embodied this enduring divide.
On December 20, 2019, Daron Acemoğlu, Institute Professor at MIT, delivered a talk titled "The Narrow Corridor: States, Societies and the Fate of Liberty" at Boğaziçi University in Istanbul, Türkiye, as part of the Kapuscinski Development Lecture Series. This series, an initiative of the European Commission and the United Nations Development Programme, honors Polish journalist Ryszard Kapuscinski and has hosted over 100 lectures since 2009.
The event, organized by the European Commission, UNDP, Columbia Global Center Istanbul, and Boğaziçi University, attracted over 500 attendees and was live-streamed. Opening remarks were given by Fikret Adaman, Professor of Economics at Boğaziçi University; İpek Cem Taha, Director of Columbia Global Center Istanbul; and Ivan Zverzhanovski, Head of Partnerships at the UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub.
In April 2015, the Columbia Turkish Students Association and the Istanbul Center organized a talk at Columbia University, featuring the renowned novelist Elif Shafak. The event, titled "Storytelling in the Age of Conflict," was introduced by Professor Safwan Masri, Executive Vice President for Global Centers and Global Development at Columbia University.
Conferences, Workshops and Screenings
In 2021, Building Blocks, a social enterprise, hosted its annual social entrepreneurship workshop for high school students in collaboration with Columbia University and Columbia Global Center Istanbul. Led by an enthusiastic team of Columbia students, the workshop offered students a deep dive into the world of entrepreneurship. Reflecting Columbia Global Center Istanbul’s mission to extend Columbia’s influence in the region, the workshop fostered cross-cultural collaboration and sparked meaningful discussions on critical issues. Each day concluded with a reflection session, allowing students to consolidate their learning and plan their next steps.
Columbia Global Center Istanbul, in collaboration with Koç University’s Media and Visual Arts Department and the UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub, organized "ReelLife," an engaging three-part film series. This initiative aimed to explore global cinema through the powerful lens of storytelling, sparking meaningful conversations on a range of social issues. Each screening featured films from around the world, carefully selected for their compelling narratives and thought-provoking content. Following each film, attendees participated in lively discussions led by filmmakers and subject matter experts, delving into the social and cultural themes portrayed on screen. "ReelLife" not only provided a platform for cinematic exploration but also fostered a deeper understanding of the complex realities faced by communities worldwide, reinforcing the role of film as a catalyst for social change.
Between October 25-27, 2013, Columbia Global Center Istanbul hosted the "Launch Conference of the Regional Network for Historical Dialogue and Accountability," bringing together key voices from across the region. Professor Elazar Barkan joined founding members from Türkiye, Cyprus, Israel, Palestine, Armenia, and Lebanon, representing a diverse group of organizations committed to fostering dialogue and accountability. Participants from institutions such as the Hrant Dink Foundation, Zochrot, and the Caucasus Institute engaged in dynamic discussions on critical themes like peace, conflict resolution, reconciliation, and transitional justice. The workshop also delved into the challenges of documentation, memorialization, education, and the complex narratives that shape our understanding of history. This landmark event marked the beginning of a collaborative effort to address and heal historical divides through dialogue and shared responsibility.
Student and Alumni Relations
Ryan Carmichael, Vice President for University Development at Columbia University, recently visited Istanbul and had the pleasure of meeting with our Columbia alumni, thanks to the gracious hosts, Columbia Alumni Association Turkey co-presidents Ege Duruk & Emre Çiçek, and İpek Cem Taha, Director of Columbia Global Center Istanbul. During his visit, Ryan engaged in fruitful conversations and shared insights with our alumni community in Istanbul. It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect and reminisce about their Columbia experiences, also discussing potential collaborations for the future.
Columbia Global Center Istanbul has recently begun collaborating with Columbia SIPA Türkiye Alumni to explore important issues affecting our world. Together, we've hosted three events focused on topics ranging from economic challenges to political dynamics. These events have provided valuable opportunities for discussion and exchange, deepening the connection between our global community and the local context. This partnership reflects our commitment to addressing critical issues and fostering thoughtful dialogue.
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