Prof. Dr. Kamaruzaman Yusoff, who continues his academic activities at the National University of Malaysia, was a guest of the Department of History, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, as part of the seminar. Prof. Dr. Kamaruzaman Yusoff made evaluations regarding the relations between Turkey and Malaysia from the 15th century to the present day.
Historical Roots of Ties Between Two Societies Examined
In the seminar held at the South Campus Kuzguncuk Meeting Hall with the title ‘The Ottoman-Malay Relations’, Yusoff began by examining the historical roots of the ties between the two societies. Emphasizing that religious, commercial, and military ties brought the two societies closer throughout history, Prof. Dr. Yusoff touched upon important historical events. Yusoff stated: “Following the arrival of Western colonial powers in the Malay region, the Sultanate of Aceh grew closer to the Ottomans and sent a delegation to Istanbul. In similar other cases, the Ottomans also provided assistance by sending cannons and soldiers. The soldiers sent by the Ottomans to the region for cooperation with Aceh resided here for many years. They integrated with the local population. In today's Malaysia, the lineage of some important figures traces back to these soldiers. This cooperation also focused on combating Portugal, the common enemy of the period.”
"Malaysians See Turkey as a Second Homeland”
Prof. Dr. Yusoff stated that the ties between the two societies are strong due to religious and cultural reasons; “Today, there are close relations between Turkey and Malaysia. Malaysians see Turkey as a second homeland. As an example of this, Malaysians going to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage often stop by Turkey and spend time here. The reason for this is entirely the emotional bond established between the two societies.” he said.
Many Departments Showed Interest in the Seminar
Prof. Dr. Yusoff then answered questions from participants from the Department of History as well as other departments regarding Malaysia's history, language, culture, and the perspective of contemporary Malaysians on Turkey.
The seminar concluded after a group photo session.
The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences recently hosted Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norhayati Rafida Abdul Rahim from Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, where faculty members followed with great interest the speaker's conference on "Islam, Environmental Communication, and Sustainability". In line with its emphasis on international scientific knowledge exchange and cooperation, the Faculty will continue to strengthen relations by organizing similar events, sending its members abroad, and hosting academics from abroad in Üsküdar.