The second of the "International Symposium on Cultural Heritage of Balıkesir from Past to Present in the 100th Anniversary of the Republic" organised in cooperation with Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality, Balıkesir Governorship and Balıkesir University was completed with the participation of 170 academicians from 38 universities at Onhann (Agiros) Thermal Hotel between 3-5 November.
During the symposium held with the participation of Provincial Culture Director Aytekin Yılmaz, Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Mayor Attorney Birol Şahin and Balıkesir University Rector Prof. Dr. Yücel Oğurlu, the cultural map of Balıkesir was examined in all its dimensions. The academicians with papers on their fields of expertise revealed the hidden aspects of the history of Balıkesir. In this way, the cultural existence of Balıkesir, the city of Kuva-yı Milliye, has been documented nationally and internationally.
Speaking at the opening speech of the symposium, Koray Karabulut, Head of the Department of Urban History and Publicity of Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality, explained the activities of the Metropolitan Municipality in detail, from restorations, publications, museums and Vocational Training Courses for the protection of cultural heritage all over the city.
Chairman of the Organising Committee of the symposium, Founding Dean of Balıkesir University Faculty of Theology Prof. Dr. Mehmet Bayyiğit thanked the scientists from all over the country for determining the ancient historical and cultural heritage of Balıkesir and transferring it to future generations. Stating that a great effort was made for the second symposium, he emphasised that the works carried out will return to the memory of the city as volumes of works. "My intention was to do something for Balıkesir. I am proud of realising this intention in the best way for two years. The efforts of Yücel Yılmaz, the Mayor of Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality, who did not withhold his support in this valuable work, and also the employees of the City Archive were very great, they were in the kitchen with us. I would like to thank all supporting institutions and fellow academicians."
The proceedings of the symposium, which was held simultaneously in five face-to-face and online sessions, will be turned into a book and will be among the cultural treasures of Balıkesir.
