A panel on “Geographical Distribution and Language Status of the Bulgarian Gagauz” was organized by the Department of Balkan Studies at the Social Sciences Institute.

A panel on “Geographical Distribution and Language Status of the Bulgarian Gagauz” was held on April 15, 2025, at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk Conference Hall, with Prof. Dr. Bülent Hünerli, a faculty member from Kırklareli University, as the speaker. The panel was attended by Prof. Dr. Elvan Bakar, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Levent Doğan, Director of the Social Sciences Institute and Head of the Department of Balkan Studies, along with numerous academicians and students.

In his opening speech, Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Levent Doğan expressed that the Department of Balkan Studies has graduated nearly 110 students so far and is currently continuing its educational activities with 85-90 students. He also expressed the pleasure of hosting Prof. Dr. Bülent Hünerli, a graduate of Trakya University, at the university.

In his talk, Prof. Dr. Bülent Hünerli provided comprehensive information about the Gagauz community, touching on their ethnic origin, settlement areas, and historical development. He pointed out that the Gagauz people are predominantly found in Moldova, Ukraine, Romania, and Bulgaria. Hünerli mentioned that the term “Gagauz” first appeared in Turkish sources in the Hayal newspaper published in 1876, and he gave examples of academic research conducted on the Bulgarian Gagauz. He concluded his presentation with photos taken during his field research on Gagauz settlements in Bulgaria.

The panel concluded with a Q&A session, followed by the presentation of a certificate of appreciation and a plaque to Prof. Dr. Bülent Hünerli.