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A Türkiye Studies Chair has officially been launched at the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), one of Spain’s oldest and most prestigious academic institutions, in a move hailed as a major milestone in academic and diplomatic cooperation.
The new chair, based within the faculty of social and political aciences, was inaugurated at a ceremony attended by prominent figures including Türkiye’s former EU Affairs Minister Egemen Bagis, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Madrid Nuket Kucukel Ezberci, the European Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur on Türkiye Ignacio Sanchez Amor and Dean of the UCM Faculty of Social and Political Sciences Maria Esther del Campo Garcia.
Speaking at the ceremony, Bagis emphasized the university’s long-standing heritage, dating back to the 13th century. “We eagerly await the academic insights and contributions of the students and researchers of this newly established chair, particularly in the context of Türkiye-EU and Türkiye-Spain relations,” he noted.
Bagis underscored the EU’s historical role as a peace project, stating: “For the European Union to transform from a continental peace initiative into a global one, Türkiye’s inclusion and active participation are essential.”
He further commented on the shifting geopolitical realities facing Europe, including increased global competition, security threats, and demographic pressures. “The EU must evolve strategically, enhancing its internal resilience and external influence,” Bagis urged. “In this context, enlargement is not merely a policy choice but a geopolitical imperative.”
The former minister called on the EU to overcome populist and identity-based politics: “Europe must think bigger and act bolder if it is to become a genuine geopolitical actor,” he asserted. “Security today is interwoven with energy, commerce, technology, and the social fabric. It is not just a foundation, but a launchpad for Europe’s next grand leap.”
Bagis concluded his speech by calling for cooperation, strategic foresight, and mutual respect as guiding principles in shaping Europe’s future.
Ambassador Nuket Kucukel Ezberci praised the depth of current Türkiye-Spain relations, describing the moment as a "period of excellence" in bilateral diplomacy.
She highlighted the growing ties between the two countries in fields ranging from politics and economy to defense and tourism. “This phase of excellence offers a tremendous opportunity to foster global peace and stability,” Ezberci noted.
“The role that Türkiye plays in promoting peace, prosperity, and stability in its region and beyond will undoubtedly serve as inspiration for the academic work of this Chair,” she said, adding: “Our compass is the principle of our Republic’s founder Ataturk, and our direction is guided by the vision of our President.”
UCM Faculty Dean del Campo Garcia stressed the importance of the Türkiye Studies Chair. “This is the first of its kind in our faculty and holds great significance,” she said. “It will greatly enhance academic and scientific cooperation between our countries.”
Del Campo Garcia noted that the groundwork for collaboration already exists, with many Turkish students currently studying at UCM. “This initiative will reinforce and build upon existing ties. Everyone involved will benefit from this alliance,” she added.
Leticia Dorsch Buzon has been appointed as the inaugural director of the Türkiye Studies Chair at UCM.
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