The Organization of Turkic States Simulation Program was held in collaboration between Üsküdar University and the Turkish Economic, Political and Strategic Research Center (TESAM). During the two-day program, students had the opportunity to gain practical experience in the field of international relations by representing different countries. Students took roles in the International Policy Council, Defense and Security Council, and Education and Culture Council of the countries they represented in the simulation, analyzing data within the scenario framework and producing foreign policy outcomes.
The first day of the simulation began at the Üsküdar University South Campus Fuat Sezgin Conference Hall, while the second day continued at the Main Campus Nermin Tarhan Conference Hall.
Many experts in the field attended
The program was attended by Üsküdar University Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Prof. Deniz Ülke Kaynak, Head of the Department of Political Science and International Relations (English) Prof. Havva Kök Arslan, Head of the Department of Political Science and International Relations Assoc. Prof. İbrahim Arslan, TESAM Founding President Dr. İlyas Bozkurt, TESAM Vice President Yıldırım Deniz, Former Ambassador and Former Founding Secretary General of the OTS Halil Akıncı, OTS Deputy Secretary General Dr. Ömer Kocaman, Chairman of the Board of Ahmet Yesevi University Prof. Muhittin Şimşek, OTS Education and Project Coordinator Ali Çiviler, İbn Haldun University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Political Science and International Relations Faculty Member Prof. Yaşar Sarı, along with students and academics.
The purpose and goals of the simulation program were shared
Opening speeches were delivered by Assoc. Prof. İbrahim Arslan and TESAM Vice President Yıldırım Deniz.
In the speeches, the purpose and goals of the simulation program were shared with the participants.
Foreign policy visions were explained and outcomes produced
Delegations formed by 48 students explained the national priorities, foreign policy visions, and strategic goals of the 16 countries they represented. Delegates then held presidency elections and determined transitional country blocs. Participants serving on three different councils—the International Policy Council, Defense and Security Council, and Education and Culture Council—were involved in decision-making processes through crisis scenarios, directives, and diplomatic interactions. Students produced foreign policy outcomes while considering the interests of the countries they represented.
Prof. Kaynak: “We must read the world through technological transformations”
Üsküdar University Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Prof. Deniz Ülke Kaynak delivered the closing speech of the program. Emphasizing that the simulation program was an important experience for both students and academics, Kaynak stated:
“This simulation program was a first for us too, and it went quite well. We discussed it with our professors, and going forward, we will incorporate such activities more intensively into our courses. Because it’s hardly possible anymore to educate students just by having them sit in the classroom. We need to create environments where students internalize the lesson, unleash their creativity, and generate ideas. Under today's conditions, education must move beyond the format of the teacher lecturing and the student listening. Accessing information is very easy now but understanding it and using it correctly is important. At this point, it's necessary to use technology correctly, especially artificial intelligence. In my master's and doctoral courses, I give students their final assignments in advance, and the use of AI is mandatory. Because we must read the world through technological transformations. Students who can use AI effectively are able to look at subjects from a much broader perspective. On the other hand, we are going through a period where geopolitical changes are accelerating. This simulation conducted through the Organization of Turkic States was very meaningful for young people to grasp these changes. I saw the energy and excitement in your eyes. This is just the beginning. I hope we will continue such strong collaborations with TESAM in the coming periods.”
Panel session followed the closing speech
The panel was moderated by the Head of the Department of Political Science and International Relations (English), Prof. Havva Kök Arslan.
The panelists were Former Ambassador and Former Founding Secretary General of the OTS Halil Akıncı, OTS Deputy Secretary General Dr. Ömer Kocaman, Chairman of the Board of Ahmet Yesevi University Prof. Muhittin Şimşek, OTS Education and Project Coordinator Ali Çiviler, and İbn Haldun University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Political Science and International Relations Faculty Member Prof. Yaşar Sarı.
Dr. İlyas Bozkurt: “We care about raising young people as idealistic and visionary individuals”
The closing speech of the program was delivered by TESAM Founding President Dr. İlyas Bozkurt. Bozkurt said:
“As TESAM Strategic Research Center, we set out in 2006. We first started as the R&D center of a federation, but in 2011, we transformed into an independent think tank. In the period since then, we have formed a broad structure consisting of expert academics in their fields. We became the only Turkish organization to enter the top 100 among over 13,000 think tanks worldwide. As TESAM, we care about raising young people as idealistic and visionary individuals. That’s why we organize simulation programs starting from high schools, encouraging young people to think and dream. The simulation we conducted here today is just a beginning; we will undertake much larger organizations in the future, perhaps even holding a final in the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM). TESAM also has strong international connections. For example, thanks to our agreement with Rotterdam University, we will offer English education and simulation opportunities there this summer. Similarly, we conduct mutual student programs with Azerbaijan. I believe that young people who can dream and think about the future will have a say in this country's destiny. I see you who came here among these visionary young people and congratulate you wholeheartedly.”
Assoc. Prof. İbrahim Arslan: “We saw once again that we are raising good students”
Head of the Department of Political Science and International Relations Assoc. Prof. İbrahim Arslan touched upon the importance of such simulations. Arslan stated the following remarks:
“It is a great pleasure for me to come together at such a meaningful and successful event. I sincerely thank everyone who contributed to this organization, especially Professor İlyas. I am proud of our TESAM volunteer friends who impressed us with their professional attitude despite their young age. During these two days, you represented real countries and produced foreign policy decisions considering the international situation and crisis scenarios. This is not an easy task. You made quick and correct decisions in response to spontaneously developing crises. You all gave us great hope with your speed of thought and sensible approach. We once again saw that we are raising good students, and we took great pride in this. We aspire to further develop such simulations in the upcoming periods.”
Certificates were given to the participants
Following the conclusion of the closing speeches, the closing ceremony began.
Certificates were presented to the participants of the two-day simulation program by TESAM Vice President Yıldırım Deniz and Head of Department Assoc. Prof. İbrahim Arslan. Prizes for the winning participants were presented by TESAM President Dr. İlyas Bozkurt and Prof. Havva Kök Arslan.
'Russia' became the most successful country
Within the simulation, 'Russia' was deemed the most successful country, and participants were also awarded in areas such as the international policy council, defense and security council, and education and culture council.
Mini concert was met with interest
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, General Directorate of Fine Arts, State Folk Dance Ensemble gave a concert. The concert was met with interest by the participants.
The two-day simulation program concluded with the taking of a group photo.
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)