News from Department

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayfer Ustabaş, faculty member of the Department of Economics and Director of EPAM, stated in her interview published in MarineDeal News that the pandemic, energy crisis, and geopolitical tensions in recent years have led to significant disruptions in global trade. She emphasized that these developments are transforming trade into a more fragile structure, where close regional supply linkages gain importance and strategic sectors come to the forefront.

Our faculty member also highlighted that Turkey will have critical roles in this new order, particularly in its close supply relations with the European Union, digitalization, and green transformation. She pointed out that automotive electrification, the EU’s Green Deal, and the rise of digital services will determine the country’s competitiveness.

Within the scope of the Financial Technology and Innovation course, our faculty member Asst. Prof. İlayda İsabetli Fidan, together with senior students Gamze Dinçbilek, Sema Nur Yücel, Beyza Gülsüm Ceylan, İzem Kaplan, and Ayten Ecesu İlkgören, has prepared a booklet that has been shared as open access for the benefit of those interested in the subject.

We extend our thanks to our professor and students.

Assoc. Prof. Kelleci’s selection is a significant source of pride for our department and university. His global recognition strengthens our academic visibility and highlights the impactful research emerging from our faculty.

Globalization at a Turning Point: Reassessing Trump’s Tariffs, Financial Markets, and Fukuyama’s “End of History” Thesis

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Caner Özdurak’s paper, presented at the University of Oxford’s 14th International Conference on the Restructuring of the Global Economy (ROGE), seeks—while tipping its hat to Francis Fukuyama’s “End of History” thesis heralding the triumph of liberal democracy—to set out the profound impact of the protectionist trade policies pursued during Donald Trump’s presidency on global financial markets.

Professor Figen Yıldırım and Associate Professor Ali Altuğ Biçer, faculty members at the Department of Business, co-authored of the article entitled “Improving Monthly Precipitation Forecasting with GRU-LSTM Model in Turkey,” which has been published in Acta Montanistica Slovaca (Q2).

Assist. Prof. Dr. Fatma Nur Çiçin, faculty member in the Department of Management Information Systems, has had her article entitled “Integrating Health Innovations into Decentralized Oncology Trials” accepted for publication in the Journal of Medical Systems (Q1, impact factor: 1.4).

Istinye University hosted the Türkiye's first ever UNESCO MOST School titled “Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence Use in the Field of Migration.” Held between 9–11 July in collaboration with the Presidency of Migration Management (PMM), the Turkish National Commission for UNESCO, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Türkiye, the programme addressed the potential contributions of AI technologies to migration governance and discussed ethical use cases that could generate societal benefit.

The event brought together a distinguished group of participants, including Prof. Dr. Mehmet Akif Kireçci, Chair of the MOST and Migration Specialization Committee of the Turkish National Commission for UNESCO; Prof. Dr. Ayselin YILDIZ, member of the same committee and coordinator of the MOST School; Prof. Dr. Ahmet İçduygu, Director of Koç University’s Migration Research Center (MiReKoc); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özgü Yolcu, Communications Advisor at PMM; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Karataş, Director of PMM’s Migration Research Center; Veysel Dağlar, Head of the IT Department at PMM; and Ivanka Spadina, Senior Coordinator of the Migration and Border Governance Programme at IOM Türkiye.

The discussions focused on how technological developments, particularly AI, can be ethically integrated into migration policies and governance frameworks.

“Science Must Lead the Construction of a Future Where Data Is Governed”

Professor Mehmet Akif Kireçci, Chair of UNESCO Turkiy’s MOST Committee, delivered a comprehensive evaluation of the vision, objectives, and future aspirations of the MOST School. Highlighting the international scope and strategic significance of the program, he remarked: "Migration is not merely a humanitarian matter; it is a multifaceted, interdisciplinary, and inherently global phenomenon directly linked to international law. Collaborative initiatives conducted through programs such as the MOST School, which brings together participants from 46 countries, constitute tangible examples of collective efforts to address shared global challenges. In today’s world, we must strive to pioneer the construction of a system in which we govern the data—rather than the data governing us."

“Technology Constitutes a Significant Dimension in Turkey’s Migration Governance”

In his opening remarks, Associate Professor Mustafa Karataş, Director of the Migration Studies Center at Presidency of Migration Management, underscored the increasingly pivotal role of technology in Turkiye’s migration management. Emphasizing that the Presidency of Migration Management closely follows technological advancements, Dr. Karataş stated: "Since our establishment, we have diligently integrated technological innovations into our operations to ensure that migration-related processes are conducted swiftly and efficiently. At the same time, we closely monitor emerging digital solutions to deploy them effectively across our migration management procedures. With the rapid evolution of today’s technologies, the question of how artificial intelligence—now prevalent across various domains and of growing global significance—can be incorporated into migration management has begun to receive considerable attention on numerous scientific platforms. Through this training, we believe that our institutional awareness regarding the human rights–sensitive and effective use of artificial intelligence technologies in the field of migration will be further enhanced."

“Turkiye Prioritizes Science in Migration Governance”

Ivanka Spadina, Senior Coordinator for Migration and Border Governance at IOM Turkey, underscored the significance of artificial intelligence for migration management. Reflecting on Turkey’s institutional capacity in migration governance, Spadina noted: "Our primary objective is to ensure that migration is managed in an orderly, secure, and human rights–compliant manner. Turkiye stands among the countries that conduct this process with notable effectiveness. I am delighted to be here and to witness the valuable contributions that the academic community is making to this field. Such initiatives are of exceptional importance in ensuring that public policies are supported by a sound scientific foundation."

"Emerging Artificial Intelligence Translates into Societal Benefit"

Professor Ayselin Yıldız, faculty member at Istinye University and Coordinator of the MOST School, emphasized that the responsible and effective utilization of artificial intelligence technologies holds great promise for enhancing Turkiye’s migration governance. Continuing her speech with the core objectives of the MOST School, she stated: "The integration of artificial intelligence technologies into migration governance carries the potential to generate large-scale societal benefit. Through the MOST School, we have had the opportunity to explore this potential within an ethical, effective, and human rights–oriented framework. As Istinye University, we take grateful to host such a significant endeavor."

Over the three-day program of the MOST School, the ethical, legal, and practical dimensions of artificial intelligence in the field of migration were thoroughly explored. Key topics addressed during the program included “the ethical dimensions and legal framework of artificial intelligence,” “AI-based projects and applications of the Presidency of Migration Management,” and “AI-supported automated decision-making mechanisms in the field of migration.”

Once again this year, graduation has become a meaningful moment where the traces of the past meet the hopes of the future. After a challenging journey, our graduates have completed not only an academic process but also a life journey shaped by patience, solidarity, and determination.

The graduates of our Department of International Relations are now ready to take new steps as individuals who question global developments, strive to understand differences, and are eager to contribute to society. Throughout these four years, we embraced not only knowledge but also values, critical thinking, and collective reflection. Each of them has truly earned this graduation.

We are proud of all our graduates and wish them a bright and fulfilling path ahead.
This farewell is not an end, but the beginning of new journeys.

We are glad our paths crossed. May your journey always be a smooth one.

On July 3, 2025, Istinye University’s Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences celebrated its graduation ceremony, awarding diplomas to the Economics Department’s Class of 2024–2025. The event, attended by our faculty’s academic and administrative staff, graduates’ family members, and invited guests, was marked by great enthusiasm.
After a moment of silence and the national anthem, Rector Prof. Dr. Erkan İbiş and Dean Prof. Dr. Figen Yıldırım delivered speeches emphasizing that being an Istinye graduate is more than just earning a degree—it is a lifelong distinction. They also extended their best wishes for the new alumni’s future careers.
Diplomas were presented by Dean Prof. Dr. Figen Yıldırım and Department Head Doç. Dr. Çiğdem Gürsoy. The ceremony concluded with all graduates throwing their caps into the air in celebration.
Following the formal program, the Class of 2024–2025 shared heartfelt conversations and commemorative photos. We wish our graduates a successful and fulfilling career ahead.

As the Department of Economics at Istinye University, we held our fourth annual graduation breakfast today, bringing together our alumni and esteemed faculty members.

We once again felt proud of our graduates who are now successfully continuing their careers in leading public and private sector institutions across the country. Spouses, children, and siblings also joined the event, creating a warm and joyful family atmosphere.

We are truly happy to be part of an ever-growing and increasingly connected family.

We look forward to continuing this cherished tradition in the years to come and wish all our alumni continued success in their future endeavors.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Gürsoy, Head of the Department of Economics at Istinye University, delivered a seminar on “Recycling and Sustainability” to 5th, 6th, and 7th-grade students at Istanbul Girls’ Anatolian Imam Hatip High School.

The seminar was held as part of a community engagement project initiated by students from Istinye University’s Department of Child Development. Prior to the seminar, productive discussions were held with the school principal, Ramazan Ayaz, and vice principal, Özlem Eravcı, during which both parties agreed on the importance of developing a closer partnership between the university and the school.

As a result of these meetings, both institutions reached a consensus on organizing various projects and seminars within the school to support ongoing efforts in waste reduction, minimizing food waste, and promoting sustainability. This collaboration aims to strengthen sustainability awareness from an early age and foster environmental consciousness among students.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Gürsoy, Head of the Department of Economics at Istinye University, and faculty member Dr. İlayda İsabetli Fidan visited students completing their mandatory internships at their respective institutions.

During the visits, the faculty met with the supervisors of Zehra Gül Aslan, who is interning at MLPCARE Headquarters in the Investor Relations and Strategy Department: Derya Karadeniz, Umut Kater, and Gül İncemızrak. They also met with the supervisors of Nisanur Bektaş, who is interning at Bank Pozitif Headquarters: Corporate Lending Director İsmihan Ayanoğlu, HR Director Semra Çakaloğlu, Accounting Manager Hüseyin Armutçu, and Bilal Kara. Additionally, they had a productive meeting with Yaşar Kemal Bulutçu, Purchasing Manager of Özak Holding, where student Abdullah Burak Şen, after completing his internship, has started working full-time.

In all three meetings, the managers expressed their satisfaction with the students' integration into the work environment, their contributions, and their performance that met expectations from economics graduates. They also emphasized their willingness to collaborate with Istinye University in future internship and employment programs.

As part of the TÜBİTAK 1001 project titled “Cultural Heritage, Economic Development, and the Status of Women”, project coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Esra Bayhantopçu from Kadir Has University and project team member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Gürsoy, Head of the Department of Economics at Istinye University, held a series of meetings in Edirne.

The meetings were attended by Edirne Mayor Av. Filiz Gencan Akın, heads of village mukhtar associations, directors responsible for women and family affairs, and women neighborhood mukhtars across the city. Discussions focused on the role of women in local development, preserving cultural heritage through women’s labor, and the structural challenges faced by women in local governance.

The project aims to transform women’s labor in rural areas into economic value, strengthen women’s participation in local administration, and contribute to the sustainability of cultural heritage.

Hosted by Elazığ Municipality, a seminar was held with the participation of Elazığ Deputy Mayor Nazif Bilginoğlu and Provincial Director of Culture Mehmet Karaaslan. In the event, Head of the Department of Economics Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Gürsoy and Kadir Has University faculty member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Esra Bayhantopçu delivered a presentation titled “Women’s Handicrafts and Our Cultural Heritage.”

The seminar attracted significant interest from women participants and focused on the vital role of women’s labor in preserving cultural heritage and promoting local production. Organized within the scope of the TÜBİTAK 1001 Project, the event aimed to support women producers in the region and contribute to the sustainability of traditional crafts.

The project titled “Co-designing Learning for Evidence-based Climate Policy in Marmara’s Municipalities, Türkiye”, co-led by Prof. Dr. Ayselin YILDIZ, faculty member of the Department of International Relations, has been awarded funding by the British Academy. The project is co-led by the Institute for Development Studies (IDS), in cooperation with the Marmara Municipalities Union and Şişli Municipality. It aims to strengthen evidence-based knowledge systems that support effective and socially just climate adaptation and mitigation actions within and across urban municipalities in Türkiye’s Marmara Region.

As part of the project’s kick-off activities, the climate and sustainability units of Üsküdar and Kadıköy Municipalities were visited, where good practices were shared and discussed.

Prof. Dr. Ayselin YILDIZ, faculty member of the Department of International Relations, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa SUNDU, faculty member of the Department of Management Information Systems, delivered trainings on "The Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools" and "Intercultural Communication" during an event held in Ankara by ICMPD in the field of migration. The training included practical demonstrations of the current applications of AI tools.

The Internal Stakeholder Meeting of the Department of Health Management, Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, was held online on Monday, May 12, 2025.

In the meeting, which was attended by Prof. Dr. Hacer ÖZGEN NARCI, Dr. Gülhan KALMUK, and undergraduate students Nazlıcan USTA and Şeyma Zeynep AYNACI, our students shared their feedback regarding both the strengths of our program and areas for improvement. Afterwards, the extent to which our curriculum contributes to program competencies was discussed, as well as any new course suggestions related to the curriculum.

We would like to thank all members who participated in the meeting.

The conference event titled "Personal Health, Digital Transformation and Healthy Aging: Mobile Devices and Applications", organized by the Department of Health Management, Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences at Istinye University, was held today.

The event took place between 10:30 and 12:00 in the Conference Hall V123 at our university's H Campus, with Associate Professor Dr. Gökhan AYDIN, 'Digital Innovation and Transformation Research Excellence Group Lead' from the University of Brighton, as the keynote speaker.

After the presentation, the event continued interactively with a Q&A session, and the Certificate of Appreciation was presented to our speaker by the Head of the Health Management Department, Prof. Dr. Hacer ÖZGEN NARCI.

We would like to thank Dr. AYDIN for participating as a speaker, as well as all attendees for joining us at the event.

Between May 15–18, 2025, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Gürsoy and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Esra Bayhantopçu from Kadir Has University held a series of meetings within the scope of TÜBİTAK Project No. 124K370. These meetings were conducted with officials from Hatay Metropolitan Municipality; President of the Hatay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Hikmet Çinçin; Secretary General Mr. Ali Mullaoğlu; and Director of Project Coordination and Research, Ms. Ecem Gaye Yeşil. Additional discussions took place with Mr. Cengiz Şenkule, Director of Culture and Social Affairs of Antakya Municipality, focusing on local crafts and women’s labor.
Furthermore, conversations were held at the Hatay Culture and Artisans’ Bazaar—which includes 82 workshops, 7 restaurants, a cafeteria, a small cinema, and a meeting hall—regarding challenges and future expectations in the production and marketing of handmade goods, with the aim of revitalizing cultural heritage.