The Center for Mediterranean Studies aims at creating an academic environment for a better understanding of the Mediterranean world, thus examining the dynamics, challenges and perspectives the region faces in the years ahead.
The Mediterranean is a historical and cultural area as well as a unique social configuration interconnected by common themes of ancient and philosophical traditions, East-West interactions, political rivalries and economic and cultural connections. In this context, the Center for Mediterranean Studies focuses on the following themes.
First, the identity and life in the Mediterranean, its people, cities, ports, islands and sea routes; second, economic development, globalization and associated challenges; third, security and conflicts, including conflict management and peace-building; fourth, the potential for regional integration, cohesion and the promotion of peace, democracy and security in the region; fifth, the role of Turkey in the Mediterranean region; sixth, the encounters of different social values and ideologies.
In order to address these themes, the Center applies a mix of academic research, publications and outreach.
The scope of the activities is as follows:
(a) Research and publications
(b) Conferences, workshops and roundtable meetings
(c) Dialogue and facilitation
The working methodology will include the establishment of working groups which will produce evidence-based reports addressing not only the root causes of issues and challenges but also the action needed to improve the policy responses. The Center aims at involving NGO’s and civil society in relation to the prioritized themes. The Center offers a platform for dialogue, combining the flexibility of a policy-oriented Center and the strengths derived from the academic staff of Yaşar University.
The areas of relevance cover the wider Mediterranean region, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Black Sea Region, the Middle East and North Africa.
The Center is part of a wider network of regional organizations, think tanks, and NGOs across the Mediterranean region and the world. It engages in the networks and programmes connected to the United Nations and specialized organizations, international development agencies, and the European Union, including the Union for the Mediterranean. In this context, the Center has a special focus on the global debate about UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its ramifications for the region. The Center engages in collaborative efforts with universities and other institutions as well as promotes joint research projects, meetings and publications. The Center benefits from local partnerships with universities, think-tanks, NGO’s and the business community in the İzmir metropolitan area and beyond.