Ahiska Turks, ethnic Turks formerly occupying the Meskheti region of Caucasus region and who have spread throughout the world after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, gathered in Dayton, OH for the International Ahiska Conference titled “International Ahiskan Social, Economic and Cultural Issues: Education and Integration for New Generation in the United States”.
Cumali Habibov, Chair of Board of American Ahiskan Turkish Society in Dayton, mentioned the importance of the conference to bring as many Ahiska Turks as possible.
“Today, we are able to fully represent our interests, both academically and personally,” said Habibov.
Dr. Paul H. Benson, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Dayton, who attended this conference, said that he was very proud and happy to host this kind of event at his University. He also added that the school will do its best to provide educational opportunities for ethnic Ahiskan people to overcome their educational concerns and problems.
Academicians from Azerbaijan, Turkey, and the US attended this conference jointly organized by American Ahiskan Turkish Society and Dayton University. They discussed contemporary issues and problems, as well as possible solutions that Ahiska Turks face in their countries.
Habibullah Mursel, President of All Ahiskan Socio-Economic Cooperation and Fraternal Association (TASIYAD), was among the invited guests from Turkey. He said that it is time to aim high and that is why Ahiskan society needs highly educated class of people to promote society’s interests worldwide. He also ensured that those people will lead Ahiska people to their dreams.
Dr. Ahmet Niyazov, an academic from Baku Islamic University, who is considered to be an expert in field of Ahiska Turks and their history and culture, highlighted the importance of family union and Ahiskan cultural identity given the fact that the history of Ahiska Turks was full of unfair treatments and injustices.
Sadyr Eyibov, General Coordinator of World Association of Meskhetian Turks, acknowledged that the world community did not respond to the atrocities done to more than 400,000 Ahiska Turks in early 1930’s.
Dr. Arif Yavuz, Istanbul University Rector Advisor, and Assoc. Prof. Deniz Ekinci also attended the panel discussion.
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