NEWS

Led by Dr. Levent Uysal, President of the Nişantaşı Education Foundation, a delegation from Istanbul Nişantaşı University consisting of Rector Prof. Dr. Ayşegül Komsuoğlu Çıtıpıtıoğlu, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Efe Can Gürcan from the Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, FutureX Institute Director Başak Yılmaz, and Visiting Researcher Dr. Serdar Yurtçiçek, carried out an intensive academic visit program in Beijing and Shanghai from November 21 to 25, 2025. During the visit, the delegation held important meetings with leading Chinese universities to explore institutional cooperation, academic exchange, and joint research opportunities.

The delegation's first stop was Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU), which stands out for its history spanning more than half a century and its status as one of the world's largest centers for Chinese language education. Known as a “Mini United Nations” because of its multicultural student community, the university hosted a meeting during which various models of academic cooperation were discussed, particularly in language and cultural programs. Subsequently, meetings with the Center for Turkish Studies at Shanghai University (SHU) included comprehensive discussions on global history, Turkish studies, and joint research projects.

The visit to Shanghai Lixin University of Accounting and Finance featured productive discussions on potential joint programs and student exchange opportunities in finance, accounting, and financial technology (FinTech). At the delegation's final stop, Fudan University, a high-level meeting was held to discuss Middle Eastern studies, international relations, and opportunities for academic engagement between China and Türkiye. Ranked among China's top 10 universities, Fudan is also a member of the C9 League, placing it among the country's most distinguished research universities.

These meetings are of strategic importance in strengthening the collaboration network of the Center for Advanced Chinese Studies, which is currently being established at Istanbul Nişantaşı University. The center, which aims to become the first of its kind in Türkiye, plans to conduct interdisciplinary research on Chinese politics, economy, society, and foreign policy. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Efe Can Gürcan, who is leading the center's establishment, used the meetings in Beijing and Shanghai to expand academic cooperation opportunities and take concrete steps toward joint research initiatives and exchange programs.