Ankara (October 26, 2026): The 20th Turkish History Congress opened Monday in Ankara, the capital of Türkiye. Addressing the opening session, Professor Dr. Haluk Selvi, president of the Türk Tarih Kurumu (Turkish Historical Society), said historical events should be examined through authentic documents, critical research, and scholarly responsibility, rather than through the lens of contemporary political debates.
Selvi noted that ongoing conflicts, political tensions, and power struggles in different parts of the world influence how historical events are interpreted and presented on the international stage. In such circumstances, he said, it is more important than ever to separate historical research from political agendas and evaluate historical claims on the basis of evidence.
According to the organizers, the five-day congress, running from October 26 to 30, has brought together academics and researchers from 36 countries. Sessions will cover a range of topics, including historiography, historical sources, the Ottoman history, and the role of academic institutions in historical research.
Selvi emphasized that “scholarly rigor” and an “open-minded approach toward the world” are two fundamental principles that have guided the Turkish History Congress throughout its long-standing tradition. He added that the 20th congress continues this legacy of scholarly inquiry.
Congress Begins at Atatürk’s Mausoleum
The congress opened with a visit to Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, by a delegation led by Haluk Selvi, president of the Turkish Historical Society.
The delegation included members of the society’s Scientific Council, along with experts and officials. They laid a wreath at Atatürk’s tomb and observed a moment of silence in his honor.
The opening ceremony was held on the campus of the Atatürk Kültür, Dil ve Tarih Yüksek Kurumu (Atatürk Supreme Council for Culture, Language, and History). Three exhibitions were also inaugurated as part of the event.
During the ceremony, a musical ensemble from Ankara Music and Fine Arts University, specializing in the music of the Turkic world, performed. The performance was followed by the screening of an introductory film about the Turkish Historical Society.
Republic Founded on Reason and Science
Addressing the opening session, Professor Dr. Derya Örs, president of the Atatürk Supreme Council for Culture, Language, and History, said the Turkish History Congress represents the continuation of a long-standing scholarly tradition. He noted that this year’s congress is being held for the first time at the new campus of the Supreme Council and its affiliated institutions. Derya Örs also served as the Republic of Türkiye’s Ambassador to Iran, from January 15, 2019, to March 1, 2023.
Örs expressed hope that the venue would become a permanent academic hub, bringing together researchers from diverse fields, encouraging open dialogue, and fostering new research.
He said the Republic is not merely a matter of political independence but also a civilizational force rooted in reason, science, and free thought.
According to Örs, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s deep interest in Turkish history and the Turkish language reflected his desire for the nation to understand its past through scholarly inquiry and research. He noted that the Turkish History Institute and the Turkish Language Institute, both established under Atatürk’s leadership, were practical expressions of this vision.
He highlighted the Turkish History Institute’s pivotal role in advancing historical studies through research, publications, archaeological excavations, and academic gatherings.
Describing the Turkish History Congresses as an important part of this tradition, Örs said the forums provide historians with an opportunity to assess historical claims based on evidence, debate different interpretations, and raise questions that pave the way for further research.
Opening Lecture Explores Ottoman Military History
The congress’s opening academic lecture was delivered by Professor Dr. Feridun M. Emecen, a member of the Scientific Council of the Turkish Historical Society. His lecture was titled “The Formation of the Ottoman Military System on the Threshold of the Classical Age and Problems of Historical Sources.”
Drawing on historical sources related to the battles of Kosovo, Ankara, and Varna, as well as the engagement involving Frank Yazıcı, Emecen examined the formation of the Ottoman military system and the evolution of the structure of its military units.
His lecture focused on the importance of historical sources in interpreting past events and the challenges of reconstructing historical military systems based on those sources.
Research Institutions and Historiography
On the first day of the congress, a special session titled “The Role of Historical Institutions and Institutes in Turkish Historiography” was held under the chairmanship of Haluk Selvi.
Participants included Professor Dr. Şahin Mustafayev, president of the International Turkic Academy; Professor Dr. Luisa Migliorati, president of the International Union of Academies; Professor Dr. Ziyabek Kabuldinov, director of the Chokan Valikhanov Institute of History and Ethnology; and Professor Dr. Karim Shukurov, director general of the A.A. Bakikhanov Institute of History and Ethnology at the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences.
The speakers shared their perspectives on the responsibilities of research institutions in historiography, their role in supporting scientific research, and their contributions to advancing historical studies.
The session focused on how historical institutions can facilitate the study of history by providing access to documents and research resources, fostering scholarly exchange, and examining different historical interpretations.
The Turkish Historical Society Since 1931
The Turkish Historical Society was founded on April 15, 1931. Its establishment was part of an initiative by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk to advance the study of Türkiye’s history, language, and culture through rigorous academic research.
Over the past 95 years, the institution has remained active in historical research, publications, archaeological work, and academic gatherings.
According to Selvi, preparations for the 20th Turkish History Congress began about two years ago. During this period, scholars from Türkiye and abroad were invited, and the congress themes were finalized.
Dr. Kainat Siddiqui, the lone participant this time from India, expressed her satisfaction with the opening ceremony arrangements and the quality of the academic discussions.
“I am quite impressed by the majestic headquarters building of the Turkish Historical Society as also the very well planned and execution of the programme,” she said.
Reflecting on the opening session, she added, “Several significant and serious topics concerning historiography were addressed in the very first session. I am very excited to participate in the sessions scheduled for the next three to four days.”
A special panel will also be held during the congress to mark Türkiye’s Republic Day. Another dedicated session will examine the role of institutions in historiography, featuring researchers from various Turkic states and Italy.
