Following the Turkey-Azerbaijan University, a new institution for the Turkic world, the “International University of Turkic States,” has been launched in Uzbekistan.
A memorandum of understanding regarding the establishment of the International University of Turkic States in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, was signed by Erol Özvar, President of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), between the higher education authorities of Türkiye and Uzbekistan.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held at YÖK, President Erol Özvar stated, “Today is a historic day. We are taking a concrete step in higher education as part of our developing relations with Uzbekistan in all fields. Both Türkiye and Uzbekistan attach great importance to higher education, stemming from our shared and ancient cultural ties.”
Özvar recalled that, in line with the joint will of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, work has been ongoing for some time to establish a joint university with Uzbekistan. He added, “With President Mirziyoyev’s decree on January 25, 2025, regarding the establishment of the International University of Turkic States in Tashkent, the legal groundwork for this shared vision has already been laid in Uzbekistan.”
Özvar shared that preparatory work by Turkish universities has been completed for the institution to begin its academic activities, emphasizing that YÖK is ready to provide full support.
“Our Goal is to Raise Generations with Global Influence”
Özvar stated that the primary objectives of the International University of Turkic States include:
- Training qualified human resources needed by both countries,
- Raising generations with regional and global influence in science and technology,
- Enhancing cultural and academic exchange.
He said, “Our university will bring together the knowledge and expertise of Türkiye and Uzbekistan, making significant contributions to the future of both nations. In addition to nurturing qualified young generations, it will develop pioneering projects in scientific research and innovation, boosting our countries’ global competitiveness.”
“Leading Turkish Universities Will Provide Education”
Özvar noted that the International University of Turkic States will function as a kind of “umbrella university,” stating:
“Our university will offer education at international standards through joint programs with Türkiye’s leading higher education institutions. In the initial phase, it will begin operations with programs in engineering, informatics, health, and agriculture, conducted by Istanbul Technical University, Middle East Technical University, Hacettepe University, and Ege University.”
“Enhancing Student and Academic Mobility Across a Wide Geography”
Özvar emphasized that the university will also serve as an important higher education institution for the Turkic world, fostering student and academic mobility across the region and beyond. He said:
“Graduates of our joint programs will possess the knowledge and skills to work in different Turkic countries, thereby strengthening human resource interaction in this geography.”
“We Will Encourage Our Universities to Strengthen Relations”
Expressing YÖK’s readiness to collaborate in achieving the shared goals of Türkiye and Uzbekistan, Özvar stated:
“I believe we will further strengthen our countries in higher education and elevate their standing in the international arena. Our vision in this regard is clear. We will continue to encourage and support all our universities in advancing Türkiye-Uzbekistan relations.”
The signing ceremony at YÖK was attended by:
- Erol Özvar, President of YÖK,
- Odil Abdurakhmanov, Head of the Social Development Department of the Uzbek Presidential Administration and Chairman of Uzbekistan’s Higher Education Council,
- Members of YÖK’s Executive Board,
- Rectors of relevant universities,
- Representatives of Uzbek institutions.
https://www.yok.gov.tr/Sayfalar/Haberler/2025/uluslararas%C4%B1-turk-devletleri-universitesi.aspx
