As part of the educational and scientific activities planned for this year, students from the Faculty of Education, led by the Dean, Prof. Dr. Lulzim Mehmedi, the Vice-Dean for Education, Prof. Dr. Besa Havziu, and several professors, conducted a study visit to the city of Istanbul, from May 9–11, 2025.
Istanbul, as one of the most important historical and cultural centers, has had a special role in the history of the Albanian people. This city was home to well-known figures of the National Renaissance such as Sami and Naim Frashëri, as well as Pandeli Sotiri, who, through the “Society for the Publication of Albanian Textbooks”, contributed to the establishment of the first Albanian school in Korça in 1887, providing it with school textbooks in the native language.
On the first day of the visit, the students had the opportunity to visit important historical and cultural monuments, such as the Süleymaniye Mosque (a work of the famous architect Mimar Sinan), Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı).
During this visit, the students were also hosted by representatives of the “Albanian Brotherhood” association in Istanbul, specifically by its former president Halil Metin and activist Deniz Sever – both originally from Kicevo. During the conversation, the important role this association has played in promoting Albanian culture, as well as in lobbying for the Kosovo issue during the times when it had no official representation in Turkey, was highlighted. Mr. Metin mentioned that through contacts with high-ranking Turkish state figures, such as President Süleyman Demirel and Prime Ministers Bülent Ecevit and Tansu Çiller, the association contributed to institutional awareness to support the rights and aspirations of the people of Kosovo.
Activists Halil Metin, Qamil Bytyqi, and Murat Lajçi have been involved in numerous engagements in service of the national cause, collaborating with prominent Albanian political figures such as President Ibrahim Rugova, Alfred Moisiu, Hashim Thaçi, Agim Çeku, and Edita Tahiri. For their contributions, they have been honored with certificates of appreciation by President Rugova and decorated by the President of Albania, Bujar Nishani, with the title “Naim Frashëri”.
On the second day, the students visited neighborhoods of historical and cultural significance such as Ortakoy, the Galata Bridge and Port, Balat, and Taksim. The visit concluded on the third day with a boat trip through the Bosphorus Strait, where the students had the opportunity to experience the natural and architectural beauty of this unique city.
The study visit to Istanbul was considered an important cultural, educational, and interactive experience for the students, enriching them with new knowledge and firsthand experiences of historical and cultural heritage.
