“The Symposium ‘Isparta: Past, Present, and Future III’ Concludes”

Organized in collaboration with Süleyman Demirel University, Isparta Governorship, Isparta Municipality, Isparta University of Applied Sciences, Isparta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ITSO), Isparta Commodity Exchange, Western Mediterranean Development Agency (BAKA), Union of Tradesmen and Craftsmen Chambers, Gülbirlik, and the Ispartalılar Foundation (ISVAK), the symposium “Isparta: Past, Present, and Future III” concluded with a special session titled “Süleyman Demirel Special Session.”

The closing session, held at the Isparta Municipality Cultural Center, was organized under the theme “Süleyman Demirel, Isparta, and Universities” in honor of the late 9th President of the Republic of Turkey, Süleyman Demirel, on his birthday. During the session, participants shared their personal memories and discussed Demirel’s contributions to Turkey and Isparta, his leadership vision, and the lasting impact of his works, once again emphasizing his strategic importance to the nation.

Chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Osman Kürşat Acar, the program was attended by ITSO Chairman of the Board Metin Çelik and vice chairpersons, ISVAK President Mustafa Kemal Battal, former SDU Rector Prof. Dr. M. Lütfü Çakmakçı, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences Prof. Dr. Hakan Mehmet Kiriş, along with institutional representatives, private sector executives, and academics

During the session, the following papers were presented: “An Evaluation of Jokes Told by Süleyman Demirel in the Context of Humor Theories”, “A Sociological Exploration of University Students’ Academic Experiences in Isparta: A Qualitative Study”, “An Oral History Study with Isparta’s Cyprus Veterans”, and “Higher Education in Isparta: Past, Present, and Future.”

First held in 1992, this year’s third edition of the symposium provided significant outputs that guide the future of the city by addressing Isparta’s historical, social, cultural, and economic dynamics from a scientific perspective.

At the closing of the symposium, ITSO Chairman of the Board Metin Çelik stated: “This symposium holds great importance for Isparta’s development, branding, and progress toward the future with stronger steps. With proper planning, cooperation, and a shared vision, the potential of our city will be utilized much more effectively. I sincerely thank everyone who contributed to this effort.”