History of Contemporary Turkish Studies at LSE
The Chair in Contemporary Turkish Studies was established as part of the European Institute at London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in March 2006. The Chair was endowed in perpetuity by the generous one-time-only foundation contributions of public and private donors.
Professor Yaprak Gürsoy was appointed by the European Institute at LSE as the Chair of Contemporary Turkish Studies in September 2021. Prior to Professor Gürsoy’s appointment, the position of the Chair was held by Professor Şevket Pamuk (2007-2013) and Professor Esra Özyürek (2013-2020).
General Aims and Objectives of the Chair
The Chair in Contemporary Turkish Studies focuses on the politics and economy of Türkiye and its relations with the rest of Europe. As the only Chair of its kind located at a European Institute, its specific mission is to promote a deeper understanding of contemporary Türkiye and its dynamic relationship with Europe. The Chair provides academic leadership in Turkish studies through interdisciplinary and critical research, teaching and related public activities.
More specifically, the main objectives of the Chair are as follows:
- To promote objective and qualified research, teaching, and studies on contemporary Türkiye, and its relations with Europe and other countries,
- To provide academic leadership in modern Turkish studies by exploring past, current and future political, foreign policy and economic issues,
- To encourage cooperation between the academic communities of Türkiye and the UK and other countries,
- To serve as a leading institution for the organization of conferences, seminars and workshops on Turkish studies,
- To promote and support doctoral students and young scholars in the field of Turkish studies.
Contemporary Turkish Studies Within the Wider LSE Research Community
Contemporary Turkish Studies is a recognised research group embedded in the European Institute at LSE. It also draws on the expertise of a wider community of academics and students at other LSE departments and research units. Through the organisation of regular activities and events, the Chair facilitates cooperation on Contemporary Turkish Studies within the School. The research group is subject to the policies, procedures and regulations of Research Governance at LSE.