Hungary as a Bridge Between the Turkic World and Europe
The Ludovika University of Public Service (LUPS) inaugurated its newest research center, the Ludovika Center for Turkic Studies (LCTS), on September 22nd in the Chapel of Saint Ladislaus. The Center focuses on the cultural, political, and economic aspects of the Turkic world.
“At LUPS we educate those who will dedicate their careers to serving the homeland in national security, diplomacy, or public administration,” emphasized Rector Dr. Gergely Deli in his opening address. “For this, our students need the broadest possible understanding of the world, which requires openness, international cooperation, and collaboration among researchers. The new research center provides a platform and serves as a bridge between Hungary and the Turkic countries.”
“Young people shape the future. The university must provide them with opportunities, tools, and networks, because their future work will serve us all,” underlined Liliana Śmiech, Director General for International Affairs of LUPS.
In his keynote speech, Zoltán Kovács, State Secretary for International Communication and International Spokesperson at the Cabinet of the Prime Minister, recalled that LUPS was established in the service of the homeland and has never lost this exemplary focus. “Today as well, it must remain a meeting point where ideas and theories are transformed into political solutions. As the world changes, so does science—alongside theoretical thinking, there is an ever greater need for practical, applicable answers.”
“Turkology is not merely a linguistic discipline but a cultural and historical science; not nostalgia, but heritage, tradition, and culture—the foundation of modern national identity,” stressed Shahin Mustafayev, President of the Turkic Academy, in his speech.
“The Organization of Turkic States represents the common interests of its members,” highlighted Turhan Dilmaç, Head of Department at the Center for Strategic Research of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, during the panel discussion Strategic Vision – Political and Diplomatic Perspectives. The panel was moderated by Liliana Śmiech and featured Rusif Huseynov, Director of the Topchubashov Center (Azerbaijan); Sanjar Valiyev, Director of the Center for Foreign Policy Studies and International Initiatives (Uzbekistan); and László Vasa, Senior Advisor of the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs and LCTS.
“Decades ago, the Turkic identity may have been weaker, but today ordinary people openly embrace it alongside their Azerbaijani, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, or Uzbek national identity,” it was noted during the panel The Geopolitics of the Turkic World – Academic and Institutional Leadership. The discussion was moderated by Noémi Pálfalvi, Chief Advisor at the Danube Institute, with contributions from Yaşar Sari, Director of the Haydar Aliyev Eurasian Studies Center at Ibn Haldun University (Türkiye); Vasif Huseynov, Head of Department at the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center, Azerbaijan); Edil Osmonbetov, Director of Analysis at the Center for International Relations Analysis (CIRA, Kyrgyzstan); and Akram Umarov, First Vice-Rector of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (Uzbekistan).
The official opening concluded with the panel Connectivity – Energy, Trade, and Transport, moderated by Dávid Bíró, Coordinator of LCTS. Speakers included Vusala Jafarova, Head of the Turkic World Research Center at the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (Azerbaijan); Aigul Kosherbayeva, Secretary for Academic and Research Affairs at the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KazISS); Blanka Kovács, Political Advisor to the State Secretary for Circular Economy and Climate Policy at the Ministry of Energy of Hungary; and Erhan Türbedar, Chief Economic Advisor of the Turkic Investment Fund.
For a detailed report on the inauguration, please visit the university’s academic portal at ludovika.hu.
Text: Tibor Sarnyai
Photos: Dénes Szilágyi
