Political Science and International Relations (English)
An international symposium titled “Women of the Republic in its 100th Anniversary/ Women's Republic (1923-2023)” was held between October 27-29, 2023 in cooperation with the Women's Library and Information Center Foundation (KEKBMV) and Beykoz University Faculty of Social Sciences. The symposium, where Prof. Dr. Nermin Abadan Unat was the guest of honor, was completed with 20 topics, 8 panels, 40 sessions and approximately 200 presentations.
Prof. Dr. Nermin Abadan Unat was the guest of honor at the opening of the symposium held at Beykoz University Kavacık Campus. Prof. Dr. Unat talked about the process of continuing her education in Turkey and the opportunities provided to her by the Republic.
In the symposium, the Republic and women were discussed with the critical perspective and tools developed by women's and gender studies in Turkey, in their historical, social, cultural, economic, political, religious and artistic contexts, and a century of history was presented on behalf of women. Within the scope of the symposium, the ‘Women of the Republic Exhibition’ compiled from the KEKBMV Collection was also opened.
The exhibition featured photographs of 28 women of the republic who made significant contributions and achievements during the Republican era. During the first two days of the symposium, hundreds of participants followed the panels and sessions both face-to-face and online. On the second day of the event, Dr. Hüseyin Kıyak and his team performed the works of the women composers of the Republic with the ‘Songs from the Women of the Republic’ concert.
Beykoz University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Durman, one of the opening speakers of the symposium, said: "It is a historical moment at our university; we are witnessing the 100th anniversary of our Republic, and we are experiencing the happiness, enthusiasm and pride of this. We all know that the Republic has made great economic, social and cultural gains to our country and humanity within 100 years. Among these, the biggest and most valuable achievements are the issues related to women and women's rights.
The most fundamental dynamic of women's achievements in the Republican era has undoubtedly been the educational opportunities they deserve. Primary school education was made compulsory for girls, which gave women the opportunity to go to school and to participate more in business and social life. Today, the proportion of women in higher education has surpassed men and reached 51%."
This content was updated on 10/02/2025.