The European Institute and Contemporary Turkish Studies at LSE bring alumni and academic community together in Istanbul
The European Institute and Contemporary Turkish Studies at LSE joined Koç University in Istanbul for a special event exploring Türkiye’s changing relationship with Europe.
Held on Saturday 24 October 2026 at the Koç University Research Center for Anatolian Civilizations (ANAMED), Rethinking Türkiye’s Place in Europe brought together LSE alumni, members of the Koç University community and friends of LSE for an evening of discussion and networking. The event was organised by the European Institute and Contemporary Turkish Studies at LSE in partnership with the Department of International Relations at Koç University.
The evening centred on a panel discussion exploring Türkiye’s evolving place within European identity, economy and foreign affairs. Bringing together perspectives from history, politics, international relations and philosophy, the discussion considered how the relationship between Türkiye and Europe has developed over the past two centuries and how changing ideas of Europe and wider political developments have shaped Türkiye’s place on the continent.
The panel featured Şevket Pamuk, Emeritus Professor of Economics and Economic History at Boğaziçi University and former Chair of Contemporary Turkish Studies at LSE; Bahar Rumelili, Professor of International Relations and Jean Monnet Chair at Koç University; Ziya Öniş, Professor of International Political Economy at Koç University; and Simon Glendinning, Head of the European Institute and Professor in European Philosophy at LSE. The discussion was chaired by Yaprak Gürsoy, Professor of European Politics and Chair in Contemporary Turkish Studies at LSE, with welcome remarks from Şuhnaz Yılmaz Özbağcı, Professor of International Relations and Dean of the College of Administrative Sciences and Economics at Koç University.
Following the speakers’ contributions, Professor Gürsoy led a wider panel conversation before opening the discussion to questions from the audience. The evening continued with a drinks reception, giving alumni and guests an opportunity to reconnect with one another and meet colleagues from LSE and Koç University.
The event also formed part of the European Institute’s wider alumni engagement beyond London, strengthening connections with LSE’s substantial alumni community in Türkiye. During the visit, the European Institute also connected with members of the Turkish Friends of LSE, a long established alumni group that plays an important role in maintaining links between LSE and its alumni community in Türkiye.
Catch up on the event recordingPhoto Gallery
