In Conversation with the Consul General of Germany in Istanbul Dr. Regine Grienberger, and the Cultural Attaché Katharina Dolezalek

 

Insights into Diplomacy, Global Politics, and Turkish-German Relations

 

Report on the Visit of the Consul General of Germany in Istanbul and the Cultural Attaché to Istanbul Bilgi University – May 7, 2025

 

On May 7, 2025, the European Institute at Istanbul Bilgi University welcomed the Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Istanbul, Dr. Regine Grienberger, and the Cultural Attaché, Katharina Dolezalek. The visit took place in the framework of Europe Week, leading up to Europe Day on May 9, and was organized upon invitation by the Director of the European Institute, Dr. Özge Onursal-Beşgül, and DAAD Lecturer Dr. Deniz Güneş Yardımcı.

The program began with an official reception at the Rectorate, where the German guests were received by Prof. Dr. Gonca Günay, Vice-Rector for Research, Prof. Dr. Hasret Dikici Bilgin, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, and Emre Gönen, faculty member in the Department of International Relations. Together with Dr. Onursal-Beşgül and Dr. Yardımcı, they engaged in a discussion about recent developments in the education systems of both Germany and Turkey, as well as the value of academic cooperation. The historical ties between the two countries and the importance of joint research and exchange programs were highlighted as essential pillars of the bilateral relationship.

Following this institutional meeting, the Consul General and Cultural Attaché met with students from the Department of International Relations and Political Science and Public Administration. Moderated by Emre Gönen, the session began with a presentation of the respective roles and responsibilities of the guests within the German Consulate General in Istanbul. Ms. Dolezalek also emphasized the importance of cultural exchange as a key dimension of international cooperation and presented her work with the Tarabya Cultural Academy, which fosters German-Turkish dialogue through artist residencies and cultural programs. The following conversation allowed students to pose questions on a wide range of topics, including Turkish-German economic relations, Germany’s migration policies, EU security strategy, Germany’s stance on the Russian-Ukrainian war, and pathways to a diplomatic career.

The visit concluded with a guided tour of the Silahtarağa Energy Museum Archive, organized by the university’s archive team under the direction of Amed Gökçen. Archivist Başak Koşanay provided guests with insight into the historical relevance of the museum by presenting original documents like architectural and technical drawings, correspondences, magazines, reports, and photographs. Among the highlights were materials that demonstrated Germany’s essential role in the establishment and maintenance of the power plant, emphasizing once again the long-standing historical ties between Turkey and Germany. The guests and hosts alike agreed that the museum and its archive serve as a powerful reminder of the deep cultural and technological exchanges that have shaped bilateral relations over the past century.

This visit was of great importance, as it not only fostered dialogue between German diplomatic representatives and the academic community at Istanbul Bilgi University but also strengthened the spirit of collaboration between Turkey and Germany. By engaging with faculty, students, and historical institutions, the visit underscored the deep-rooted ties and mutual commitment to academic exchange, intercultural understanding, and shared European values.