Drawing strength from the historical and cultural fabric of Balıkesir, the City of Kuvayı Milliye; hosted by our University; and supported by the Balıkesir Governorship, Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality, Balıkesir Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, and the Balıkesir Yörük Türkmen Federation, an academic meeting titled “The City of Kuvayı Milliye Balıkesir: International Yörük Türkmen Symposium” will be held on 16–18 April 2026.

Our symposium aims to evaluate, on an academic basis, the historical process of Yörük–Türkmen culture carried from Central Asia to Anatolia, its socio-cultural structure and folk beliefs, and the reflections of this deep-rooted heritage—interwoven with the spirit of the National Struggle—specifically in Balıkesir. The symposium is open to the participation of all researchers, academics, and field specialists. Participants are expected to submit original and scholarly studies related to the announced themes for evaluation.

No participation fee will be charged to symposium participants. For scientists who will participate in the symposium from abroad, there is also an option to attend online. For detailed information about the symposium, please visit yoruksempozyumu.balikesir.edu.tr. Please send your abstracts and papers to yoruksempozyumu@balikesir.edu.tr

*The quota for participants from Türkiye has been filled.