Talks on Migration (ToM) 2

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saime Özçürümez, faculty member at Bilkent University Department of Political Science and Public Administration, was the second keynote speaker of the Talks on Migration Series.

She gave a speech on social cohesion models in 21st century. Özçürümez highlighted that the migration in 21st century differs from the previous migrations both in terms of characteristics and governance. She described the migration in 21st century as global, sudden, massive, complex and trauma involved.

Then, Özçürümez examined governance under four categories. These are health, education, working life and housing. Among these the need for the research in the housing category is remarked by the speaker. Following that, Özçürümez gave a detailed analysis of the types governance of migration in Gaziantep and Sultanbeyli, she stated their structural differences during the talk. In the end, Özçürümez summed up her speech by stating that migration is an issue that should be taken seriously by all of us, and it can’t be solve unless we all participate in the solution process.

“Even if the concepts are embedded in theory, the practices are not governed with these principles like dignity and respect.”

Overall a very productive talk has taken place on December 18, 2019 within the Jean Monnet Module on European and International Migration Law coordinated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gülüm Özçelik, faculty member at Bilkent University Faculty of Law, at Bilkent Library Art Gallery. Thanks to all participants!

Talks on Migration (ToM) 1

EU Ambassador Presents First Lecture in “Talks on Migration” Series

The first lecture in the “Talks on Migration”series organized by the Jean Monnet Module on European and International Migration took place on November 13 at Bilkent Library Art Gallery. The guest speaker was Ambassador Christian Berger, head of the EU delegation to Turkey.

After a welcome by Rector Abdullah Atalar and opening remarks by Assoc. Prof. Gülüm Özçelik, the academic coordinator of the module, Mr. Berger outlined the current state of affairs and main problems in EU-Turkey relations, focusing on the migration issue in particular. Noting the fact that migration is a global problem, the ambassador praised Turkey as “a good and true neighbor” with regard to its acceptance of Syrian nationals into its territory. The talk concluded with the questions from the audience.

The “Talks on Migration” series will continue throughout the academic year, with lectures on various topics related to migration.

What is “Talks on Migration” series?

Talks on Migration Series are organised at the premises of Bilkent University on various aspects of migration, considering interdisciplinary character of migration, its effects on different aspects of life, on different areas of law and policy making as well as certain developments on migration that could be faced during the term of the Module. It shall include four keynote speakers per academic year including Turkish and foreign academics as well as experts from the Turkish Delegation of the European Union, the International Organisation of Migration, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the Turkish Directorate General of Migration Management.