MiReKoc, Migration Research Center at Koç University

Today at 📍
MiReKoc & CASE had the pleasure of hosting at Koç University.

The program featured a series of panel discussions focusing on Türkiye’s evolving role as a regional mediator, peace broker, and diplomatic actor, as well as contemporary challenges in migration governance. The sessions brought together distinguished scholars to exchange insights on regional and European dynamics.

MiReKoc International Press Reader | 18 February 2026 - https://mailchi.mp/e49364d069b3/mirekoc-international-press-reader-15-december-6752220

Season's Greetings to you and your family, and very best wishes for the New Year.
🎆🎆
Yeni yılınızı en içten dileklerimizle kutlar, yeni yılın sizlere sağlık, mutluluk ve başarı getirmesini dileriz.

MiReKoc - Migration Research Center at Koç University

📣 CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS!

2nd UNIC Thematic Conference
Institutions in Transition: Justice, Security, and Well-Being in Post-Industrial Cities

📅 17–19 June 2026
📍 Koç University, Istanbul

Join us for the 2nd UNIC Thematic Conference, bringing together scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to explore how institutions evolve to address justice, security, and well-being in post-industrial cities.

🔗 Visit our website for submission details and updates: https://unic.eu/en/thematic-conference-istanbul-2026

🌍 UNIC Working Conference 2025 | Bilbao – Day 2 Highlights

The Koç University delegation is participating in the at the University of Deusto!

Our team — representing UNIC admin team at KU, MiReKoc, the Sponsored Project Office, OIP, KOLT, and student representatives — continues engaging in inspiring sessions on superdiversity, inclusion, co-creation and innovation, and university–city collaboration.

🤝 Together with our UNIC partners across Europe, we are shaping the future of inclusive universities through joint reflection, collaboration, and innovation.

Dr. Gül İnanç, the founder of Opening University for Refugees, has joined MiReKoc as a Visiting Scholar. A meeting was held to introduce her to the team, share information about ongoing projects, and discuss potential future collaborations.

The Workshop on “Addressing Protracted Displacement in the MENA Region”, co-organized by the Women’s Rights, Human Rights and Refugees Program at Rice University’s Baker Institute and the Migration Research Center at Koç University (MiReKoc), brought together leading researchers and practitioners to explore the realities of protracted displacement across the MENA region.

A huge thank you to all our speakers, discussants, and participants for sharing their insights and experiences!

Our field trip brought us to Tatavla(Kurtuluş) and Bereketzade. We experienced the neighborhoods that reflect the multilayered presence of Istanbul’s minority communities and the dynamic relationship between visibility, memory, and belonging.

Through visits to sites like Despina Tavern, Ayia Dimitri Church, the Kurtuluş Sports Club, Galata House and the Schneidertempel Art Center, we explored how urban landscapes act as archives.

We concluded our day with an insightful workshop prepared by the Mekanda Adalet Derneği, and a collective reflection session facilitated by Kemal Kuşçu and İlker Kayı (Koç University).

We’re grateful to the incredible guides and collaborators who made our field trip more meaningful:

✨ Zeynep Sungur – from the Hrant D**k Foundation, for grounding our day in deeper context
✨ Yaşar Adnan Adanalı – our guide from Mekanda Adalet Derneği (Center for Spatial Justice)
✨ Damla Barın – our guide from the Hrant D**k Foundation, whose perspective enriched our walk
✨ Ceren Yartan, Bahar Bayhan – from Mekanda Adalet Derneği for their contributions and presence.

The MiReKoc–UNIC International Summer School kicked off with inspiring lectures, discussions, and a memorable Social Day exploring Istanbul’s many layers.

Swipe through the moments from first two days. 📸✨