The Third Turkish Language Summer School “Dialogue of Cultures” was held in Trabzon on July 20-25 under the auspices of the Department of Turkology at Tbilisi State University. The summer school was hosted by the Department of Turkish Language and Literature at Trabzon University’s Faculty of Humanities. The event was held as part of the Memorandum of Cooperation signed between Tbilisi State University and Trabzon University.

The summer school aimed to develop students’ practical Turkish language skills in an authentic linguistic and cultural environment, as well as deepen their knowledge of Turkish history, culture and ethnography. The project’s concept was based on integrating theoretical knowledge with practical experience and creating an educational space where language learning would be organically connected with cultural and academic components.

The five-day program incorporated two main components: educational and cultural. The lectures covered diverse topics, including fundamental issues of Turkology, Turkish history, literature and Georgian-Turkish relations.

Associate Professor Hasan Isi of Trabzon University introduced the students to the fundamentals of Turkology. Professor Atilla Aktaş discussed the main features of the development of the novel during the Tanzimat period. Professor Soner Hamzaçebi spoke about Turkish-Georgian relations after 1991.

Tbilisi State University Associate Professor Elisabed Bzhalava introduced the students to one of the most important written monuments in Turkology, Mahmud al-Kashgari’s Dīwān Lughāt al-Turk. The lecture focused on the monument’s importance in studying the history of the Turkish language, literature and culture. Dr. Meryem GÜRBÜZ of Kocaeli Üniversitesi discussed various aspects of daily life in medieval Anatolia.

An important component of the summer school’s academic program was the “Turkish to Georgian Translation Workshop”, conducted by Tbilisi State University Associate Professor Ketevan Lortkipanidze and Trabzon University Associate Professor Salih Uçak. The workshop format allowed students to discuss theoretical issues related to the translation process using specific examples. Students also discussed linguistic equivalence, the importance of context, and ways to overcome translation difficulties. Additionally, the workshop contributed to developing linguistic, analytical and translation skills.  

The first day of the summer school began with an official meeting at Trabzon University. The Georgian students and professors were warmly welcomed by the dean of Trabzon University’s Faculty of Humanities. During the meeting, the guests learned about the university’s history, academic mission, and educational priorities. The importance of the “dialogue of cultures” in terms of cooperation between the two universities and the development of students’ international educational experience was emphasized.

Trabzon University Associate Professor Salih Uçak gave the Georgian guests a tour of the campus, library, conference spaces and other student facilities. This part of the visit allowed students to familiarize themselves with the educational environment and Trabzon University. The meetings continued with a question-and-answer session, during which the students received information on issues of interest to them directly from university representatives.

The summer school participants were also greeted by Trabzon University Rector, Prof. Dr. Emin Aşıkkutlu. During the meeting, the Rector praised the academic preparation of the Georgian students and thanked the Georgian professors for their professionalism and hard work. The importance of strengthening international academic cooperation was emphasized. It was noted that such joint projects contribute to developing the academic and professional competencies of students, as well as establishing new areas of cooperation between higher education institutions in Georgia and Turkey.

A significant part of the summer school program was a visit to the Consulate General of Georgia in the city of Trabzon. Consul General Nikoloz Iashvili held an informational meeting with the students, during which he provided them with information about the activities of the Georgian diplomatic mission in Turkey. The conversation covered the structure of the consulate, its main areas of activity and the specifics of the diplomatic mission’s work. During the meeting, students had the opportunity to learn about the Georgian diplomatic service and ask questions.

The cultural component of the summer school aimed to introduce students to Trabzon and its historical and cultural environment. As part of the program, participants visited the Trabzon Fortress, the Hagia Sophia, the Ataturk Palace, and Boztepe. They also visited the Sumela Monastery and Surmene. Through these visits, students had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the region’s historical heritage, local cultural traditions and lifestyle, as well as to taste traditional dishes. Thus, the cultural program of the summer school was more than just a series of tourist activities; it provided an organic continuation of the educational process, giving students the opportunity to connect their classroom learning with the historical, cultural and social environment.

A number of Turkish media outlets covered the activities and significance of the third “Dialogue of Cultures” summer school. The positive feedback from the local press once again highlights the project's international educational and cultural significance.

“As the author of the aforementioned project, I believe that such projects offer students more than just a learning experience. They provide an opportunity to better understand the culture of a neighboring country, establish new professional and friendly relationships, and test their knowledge in an authentic environment. That is why the "Dialogue of Cultures" is much more than a summer school. It is a space for education, cultural exchange, and friendship. It is a place where academic cooperation turns into human relations, and where language becomes a strong bridge between cultures and countries," says TSU Associate Professor Elisabed Bzhalava.