Message from the Head of the Department of History, Balikesir University
“Writing history is as significant as making history. If the writer is not faithful to the maker, then the unchanging truth takes on a quality that will astonish humanity.”
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
Rooted Academic Structure and Our Vision
In this academic odyssey extending from the depths of the past to the construction of the future, our department has been conducting its educational activities since its establishment in 2000. We blend the universal standards of the historical discipline with local sensitivity and scientific rigor. Within the framework of our university, founded in 1992, we strive to secure a prestigious position in both national and international arenas, backed by nearly a quarter-century of institutional experience.
History is not merely a chronology of past events; it is the fundamental key to comprehending the present and forecasting the future. With this conviction, our department offers a broad perspective through a specialized faculty across seven distinct sub-disciplines, ranging from Ancient History to the History of the Republic of Turkey. Our academic staff -comprised of 8 Professors, 6 Associate Professors, 2 Assistant Professors, 1 Research Assistant (PhD), and 1 Lecturer- provides guidance to our students at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.
The primary mission of our department is to cultivate distinguished graduates who have acquired the cultural heritage spanning from antiquity to the present and who can contribute to the universal body of knowledge by establishing interdisciplinary connections. In line with this objective, we do not merely transmit historical data to our students; we also instill the capacity to interpret this knowledge in accordance with societal needs.
Areas of Expertise: Seven Sub-Disciplines
Our curriculum is structured to illuminate every period of history, and the seven sub-disciplines within our department provide students with opportunities for specialization. Although this classification may not perfectly mirror our historical past in every instance, the institutional departmental structure consists of the following branches:
Ancient History: Examines the process from the dawn of civilization to the end of the Roman Empire in light of archaeological and written records.
Medieval History: Spans a vast era from feudalism to the rise of Islamic civilization, and from the Crusades to Byzantine and Seljuk history.
Modern History (Early Modern): Our sub-discipline focusing on the period beginning with the conquest of Istanbul and extending to the French Revolution, specifically addressing the peak eras of the Ottoman Empire.
History of Ottoman Institutions and Civilization: Provides a deep analysis of the administrative, legal, social, and cultural structures of the Ottoman State.
Contemporary History (Late Modern): Focuses on the political events of the 19th century, colonialism, and the transformation processes of empires.
History of the Republic of Turkey: Investigates the construction of modern Turkey from the National Struggle period to the present, guided by Atatürk’s Principles and Reforms.
General Turkish History: Covers the vast geography of the Turkish world, from pre-Islamic Turkish states to developments in Central Asia and the Caucasus.
Student-Oriented Education and Development
The "student" sits at the heart of our educational philosophy. Throughout the four-year undergraduate period, we aim for our students to possess high-level knowledge and skills supported by scientific sources. While the requirement of a 2.00/4.00 cumulative grade point average and course success is a tangible indicator of our academic quality, we measure success not only by grades but also by our students' adherence to social, scientific, and ethical values.
Recognizing the critical importance of information and communication technologies in historical research, we equip our students with the necessary contemporary software and hardware knowledge, ensuring they acquire a modern historian identity in a digitalizing world. Furthermore, with a vision aiming for B1 Level foreign language proficiency according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, we prioritize our graduates becoming global citizens capable of following international literature.
Graduate Education and Academic Advancement
For students who successfully complete their undergraduate studies and aspire to an academic career, our department offers comprehensive postgraduate opportunities. To apply for Master’s and Doctoral programs in history or related social sciences, students are expected to have a command of scientific research methods.
During the graduate process, students have the opportunity to read archival documents, enhance their paleography skills, and produce original theses under the supervision of their advisors. This process signifies more than obtaining an academic title; it represents contributing new documents and perspectives to global historiography.
Research, International Collaborations, and Career Prospects
In alignment with our internationalization goals, our department encourages overseas opportunities through Erasmus coordination and exchange programs. These programs offer students the chance to experience different cultures and broaden their historical perspectives.
The career spectrum for our graduates is quite broad:
• Academia: Opportunities to transition into our Master’s and Doctoral programs.
• Institutional Employment: Research centers, archives, museums, and libraries.
• Education: The opportunity to join the teaching profession as a "History Teacher" by obtaining pedagogical formation.
Future Outlook
As the Department of History at Balıkesir University, we will continue to raise generations who are committed to the values of Turkish society and Atatürk’s Principles and Reforms, and who can develop proposals based on scientific findings and evidence. Each of our students-who continuously develops themselves, remains open to new ideas, and acts with a sense of service to society-is our greatest source of pride.
We wish success to all our students who aim to be torches that illuminate the dusty pages of history rather than getting lost within them. Remember, history rises on the shoulders of those who read and understand it through correct methodologies. Our doors are always open to all lovers of science who are curious about the past and wish to build the future.
Prof. Dr. Kenan Ziya TAŞ
Head of the Department of History Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Balikesir University
