A GRAND GATHERING IN PURSUIT OF HISTORY BEGINS

The International Symposium on the Turkification and Islamization of Anatolia: Erzincan, the Gateway of Anatolia, organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s Directorate General of Foundations, began today with its opening ceremony. The Exhibition of Sacred Relics and the special documentary prepared for the symposium drew great interest from attendees. During the program, plaques were presented to contributors in recognition of their support and participation.

“REVIVING HERITAGE WHILE TOUCHING HEARTS”

Following his presentation titled “The Waqf History and Waqf Heritage of Erzincan,” Director General Mr. Sinan Aksu delivered a speech emphasizing the vital importance of Erzincan’s historical roots for understanding the identity of Anatolia. Stressing the significance of restoring waqf legacies, Mr. Aksu said:

“Every historical waqf monument and every revived ancestral structure in our beautiful Erzincan strengthens our bond with history and our past, helping the feelings and ideals that made these lands our homeland to take even deeper root. We have undertaken extensive work to restore the waqf monuments in Erzincan and are making dedicated efforts to pass them on to future generations. In the past five years alone, we have revived dozens of structures—from the Tercan Mama Hatun Complex to the Kemah Bazaar Mosque, from the Kemaliye Dörtyolağzı Mosque to the Uluköy Mosque in the city center—while striving to carry our places of worship into the future with the same spirit and consciousness.

We consider it our fundamental duty not only to restore these sacred trusts but also to connect them with the hearts of our people. Restoring a waqf monument does not merely mean rebuilding a wall; it means reviving a consciousness of civilization, a sense of history, and a spiritual value.”

SYMPOSIUM TO CONTINUE FOR THREE DAYS

The symposium will continue for three days, addressing a wide range of topics from Turkish migrations, Sufi and dervish traditions, and the social role of waqf institutions to urbanization, art, literature, educational structures, and the transformation of women and family life. By exploring the Turkification and Islamization of Anatolia through the lenses of history, culture, and art, the symposium aims to make Erzincan, a hub where science, culture, and civilization converge—carrying its ancient heritage into the future.