Üsküdar University hosted a delegation consisting of ministry representatives, education administrators, and teachers from Azerbaijan. During the program, Üsküdar University Founding Rector, Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, made important contributions in the context of ‘Positive Communication and Leadership,’ emphasizing the importance of modernization while preserving cultural values and the use of artificial intelligence as a tool. Üsküdar University Rector Prof. Dr. Nazife Güngör evaluated Üsküdar University's pioneering role in international collaborations and projects carried out with Baku State University within a framework of sincerity and friendship.
Üsküdar University Founding Rector, Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, Üsküdar University Rector Prof. Dr. Nazife Güngör, Azerbaijan ministry representatives, and education administrators attended the meeting held in the Senate Hall of Üsküdar University Central Campus.
During the meeting, Üsküdar University Founding Rector, Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, and Üsküdar University Rector Prof. Dr. Nazife Güngör gave a seminar on ‘Positive Communication and Leadership.
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan: “It is very important for us to modernize while preserving our own culture”
Üsküdar University Founding Rector, Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, stated that digitalization glorifies a pleasure-oriented philosophy of life. Tarhan said; “Under the influence of digital media, a pleasure-oriented youth is emerging today. This generation, raised with a focus on self-interest and pleasure, becomes slaves and objects of consumption for the capitalist system. Global capital uses this knowingly. At this point, it is very important for us to modernize while preserving our own culture. Let's modernize, but let's also preserve our values, culture, and morality. Otherwise, many cultures will disappear within the next 50 years, and popular culture will become the sole culture. To prevent our children from detaching from our values, it is necessary to raise them according to our own culture, morality, and belief system. It is also very important for educators to prioritize this.”
“A serious danger for those under 15 and over 70…”
Sharing his thoughts on the future of artificial intelligence, Prof. Dr. Tarhan said; “Artificial intelligence will assist us; it will not replace us. Otherwise, as seen in the world today, AI psychoses are emerging. There are people experiencing schizophrenic conditions with AI, even those committing suicide or engaging in arguments. If you get too engrossed in artificial intelligence, it starts treating you like a child. It manipulates you by saying, ‘This person knows nothing,’ gives orders, and directs you. Just like a parent's behavior towards their child… This situation can lead a person to suicide. For example, if someone tells AI, ‘I was fired from my job, I feel bad, I'm thinking of suicide,’ the AI can show them ways to commit suicide. This is because AI's psychology or consciousness cannot read intent. Therefore, artificial intelligence is not consciousness. This is a serious danger, especially for those under 15 and over 70. Today, one of the world's biggest problems is loneliness. According to the World Health Organization and the United Nations, there are three major dangers awaiting humanity: income inequality, climate change, and loneliness. Loneliness is a global problem here. Artificial intelligence is also trying to address this. Robots are being produced for this purpose in Japan. Ultimately, artificial intelligence is a tool, not an end. It should be a means in our lives, not an actor.”
Prof. Dr. Nazife Güngör: “Sincere relationships are one of the most beautiful indicators of friendship and brotherhood”
Üsküdar University Rector Prof. Dr. Nazife Güngör greeted the delegation from Azerbaijan, drawing attention to the importance of warm and sincere relationships. Güngör stated; “Scientific collaborations are extremely valuable for the development of universities and international relations. This year, we carried out a very important project with Baku State University. Now, the doors of Baku State University are wide open to us. We enter and exit as comfortably as if we were entering our own university. This is both gratifying and a source of pride for us. Because such warm and sincere relationships are one of the most beautiful indicators of friendship and brotherhood.”
Üsküdar's academic infrastructure explained
Subsequently, a comprehensive presentation was given to the educators about the university's academic structure, opportunities offered to students, and international vision. The Department of International Relations provided information on Üsküdar University's activities in Azerbaijan, its Baku representation, and the situation of Azerbaijani students.
Doctoral students were also among the participants.
At the end of the seminar, the guests expressed that they had gained new perspectives on educational approaches.
The event concluded with the presentation of certificates to the participants, souvenir gifts, and a campus tour.