A seminar on Ottoman-Malay relations was held
Prof. Kamaruzaman Yusoff who continues his works in National University of Malaysia, was hosted by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of History within seminar. Prof. Kamaruzaman Yusoff evaluated Türkiye and Malaysia relations from 15th century to today.
Roots of historical connection between two societies are examined
Yusoff started to the seminar with an evaluation on roots of historical bonds between two societies in the seminar with a title of “Ottoman-Malay Relations” which was held in the South Campus Kuzguncuk Meeting Hall. Prof. Yusoff emphasized that religious, commercial and military connections between two societies throughout history and spoke of important historical events. Yusoff said: “After western colonial forces entered into Malaysian geography, Sultanate of Aceh got close with the Ottoman and one committee was sent to Istanbul. In another similar cases, The Ottoman helped by sending artillery and soldiers. Soldiers who were sent to the region to support the Aceh by the Ottoman, stayed here for many years. They got along well with the locals. In today’s Malaysia, some of important people’s ancestry reaches back to those soldiers. This cooperation focused on the joint enemy of that era, Portugal.”.
“Malaysians see Türkiye as a second homeland”
Prof. Yusoff said that bonds between two societies are strong due to religious and cultural reasons and added “Today, there are close relations between Türkiye and Malaysia. Malaysians see Türkiye as their second homeland. An example of this can be shown as when Malaysians go on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, they definitely visit also Turkey and spend some time. The reason for this is the emotional bond between these two societies.”.
Many departments were interested in the seminar
Prof. Yusoff answered questions on history, language, culture of Malaysia and perspective on Türkiye by Today’s Malaysians for those who participated in the seminar from other departments besides the Department of History.
The seminar is ended with a photo shoot.
The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences hosted also Assoc. Prof. Norhayati Rafida Abdul Rahim who Works in Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia in the last week and our faculty members followed the conference with the title of “Islam, Environmental Communication and Sustainability” by the spokesperson with a great interest. The Faculty will continue to enforce relations by carrying out similar events, both sending members to abroad and hosting academicians from abroad in Üsküdar in line with importance that is placed to international scientific information flow and cooperation.
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)