A memorandum of understanding covering student and faculty exchanges, joint educational programs, and scientific research was signed between Yıldız Technical University and the Renaissance University of Uzbekistan. Prof. Dr. Vatan Karakaya, Vice Rector of YTÜ, who participated in the conference titled “The Development of Science and Culture: Reflections of Renaissance Ideas in Modern Scientific Processes,” organized by the University of Renaissance, YTÜ Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Vatan Karakaya emphasized in his speech the importance of integrating the Islamic heritage of science and thought with modern technologies, particularly artificial intelligence.

Prof. Dr. Vatan Karakaya, Vice Rector of Yıldız Technical University, participated in the “Development of Science and Culture: Reflections of Renaissance Ideas in Modern Scientific Processes.” While the conference addressed the historical roots of Renaissance thought and its reflections in today’s world of science and technology, a memorandum of understanding was signed to develop academic and scientific cooperation between Yıldız Technical University and Renaissance University.

 “The Renaissance Requires a Connection to the Past”

Speaking at the conference, YTÜ Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Vatan Karakaya emphasized that Renaissance thought should be viewed as a conceptual foundation that enables civilizations to reconnect with their own heritage.

Referring to the relationship the European Renaissance established with the legacy of Ancient Greece and Roman culture, Prof. Dr. Karakaya-Turkic regions, it would be necessary to establish a connection with this region’s own scientific, intellectual, and cultural heritage. 

Vatan Karakaya stated, “The European Renaissance is defined as establishing a connection with the legacy of Ancient Greece and the political culture of the Roman emperors in the realms of art, philosophy, science, literature, and thought. If a Renaissance is to take place in Muslim-Turkic regions, with whom should historical connections be established? We must establish a connection with Ibn Sina, who was born in Bukhara; Farabi, who was born in Kazakhstan; Seyit Şerif Cürcani, who lived in Samarkand; Fahrettin er-Razi, who lived in Herat, or with Mevlana Hazretleri and Yunus Emre, who lived in Anatolia,” he said. 

“The intellectual heritage of the past can converge with modern technology”

In his speech, Karakaya also addressed the relationship between historical heritage and today’s technological developments, emphasizing that artificial intelligence, in particular, must be considered within the context of human history and the history of thought. Prof. Dr. Karakaya stated, “If artificial intelligence—a technological development of the modern era—is built upon the ideas of these thinkers and scholars, a new Renaissance will bring peace to humanity.” 

Academic Collaboration Between YTÜ and Renaissance University

As part of the conference, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Yıldız Technical University and Renaissance University of Uzbekistan. The protocol was signed by Rozimov Bekzod, Vice Rector for International Cooperation at Renaissance University, and Prof. Dr. Vatan Karakaya, Vice Rector of YTÜ. 

Under the memorandum, which aims to develop academic relations between the two universities, plans include implementing student exchange programs, developing joint educational programs, and supporting the exchange of faculty members and researchers.

The agreement also paves the way for the two universities to conduct joint scientific research projects and collaborate on international seminars, conferences, and various academic events.

A New Foundation for Joint Scientific Research

The cooperation agreement establishes a framework not only for enhancing the mobility of students, faculty, and researchers between Yıldız Technical University and Renaissance University but also for increasing joint scientific research.

It is expected that the contacts made and the memorandum of understanding signed during the conference will contribute to the development of academic interaction between the two universities in various fields and to the strengthening of scientific and cultural relations between Turkey and Uzbekistan at the university level.