Visit by Turkish Minister Nihat Ergün

Public Lecture
“Expansion of Islam and the Balkans”
On November 11, 2009, the IUS Conference Hall was overcrowded with all those who were interested in listening to Mr. Mustafa Islamoğlu, Turkish writer and poet who held a public lecture
titled “Expansion of Islam and the Balkans.” The welcoming speech was delivered by IUS Rector
B. Gültekin Çetiner. After Rector’s speech, Mr. Islamoğlu delivered very interesting lecture for
more than a hundred students, professors and other guests on the spreading of Islam on the
Balkan Peninsula, and on the importance of this area in that aspect. At the end of the lecture, the
Rector on behalf of the International University of Sarajevo presented a token of appreciation to
Mr. Islamoğlu. During his stay in Sarajevo, Mr. Islamoğlu also visited the Grand Mufti of Bosnia
and Herzegovina Prof. Dr. Mustafa ef. Cerić with whom he also exchanged various ideas and
experiences.
IUS Co-curricular Courses:
Activities for the Adventurers: Trekking
By Betul Fatma Comert Did you ever take a long and hard walk in the upright mountains of Sarajevo in the first light of the day? Did you
wonder about the pure beauty of the intact mountains? Do you want to see and touch it? Do you need to take a rest
with all your body?
4th Turkish
Economy Fair
Accreditation and
Quality Assurance
Process
Eid Celebration
at IUS
Minister of Industry and Commerce of the
Republic of Turkey, Mr. Nihat Ergün:
“I wish there was a university like this
when I was young”
If you join one of the weekly trekkings with our Professor Mehmet Can, you can taste all these experiences and
have many kinds of adventures. The meaning of ``trek`` is a trip which is long and hard and Prof. Can has been practicing it in Sarajevo for the
past five years. At the very beginning, he would start his walks with few people from Baščaršija/Bentbaša
through 2,5 km long The Alley of Ambassadors, then to Vrelo Bosne. Then, one day, they decided to go to Igman
Mountain, but it was dangerous because of many landmines that remained from the war. So, in order to find a safe
way towards Igman, Prof. Can and his team asked for help from the imams of the nearby mosques. Imam of the
Hrasnica mosque showed them a safe path towards Igman that goes behind this mosque. This was their first real
trekking.
9th Edition - November 2009
From this starting point, they found many different routes to have different treks. Now, there are 5 lanes on 5
different mountains (Igman, Bjelašnica, Bukovik, Trebević, Treskavica) which they discovered. These treks start
every Saturday in the early times (about 7/7.30) and finishes before the sunset. Routes are set according to the
climate conditions, the length of the day and the performance of the participants. Generally participants are
walking about 25-30km.
As Prof. Can tells us, in this sport, there are t wo risks; snowstorms and fog. Prof. Can and his group also encounter these risks, but by using compass and following the signs, they can always find their routes.
Prof. Can also says ``If you join every week, trekking has physical and psychological effects. For example, the body
becomes upright, extra weight in lost, muscles become strong, heart, livers and kidneys work faster and that
rhythm makes them healthier. Moreover, the oxygenated air cleans the toxins and unnecessary information in the
brains and makes circulation of the blood faster. The day after the trekking, you can work about 20 hours and this
condition continues for 4-5 days, because your brain starts to become hungry to information. This sport increases
the solidarity and gives small responsibilities to individuals which they like. In this sport there is no certain rule,
participants are free during trekking.”
In these five years, 200 students and professors joined trekking in different times. But after their first experience, they either continue with trekking or they never ever try it again. Some people, like me, join when they
have time. It is really amazing to visit the intact mountains in every season. You see the purest features of the
seasons there. In fall, the yellow leaves, in winter the white snow, in spring, you especially see many flowers in
many colors that nobody touched or smelled before you. So, if you like to walk, nature and adventure; join the trekking.
Editor
Ms. Aida Sunje
Associate Editor
Mr. Ahmed Kulanic
Coordinator
Dr. Muhidin Mulalic
Redactor
Dr. Mustafa Bal
Graphic Design Supervisor
Zinka Bejtic
Graphic Design
Rumeysa Temiz
Desktop Publishing
Abdulhamid Bolat
Advisory Editorial Board
Prof. Dr. B.Gültekin Çetiner
Prof. Dr. Mehmet Can
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Gunes
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cevat Sarioglu
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhamed Hadziabdic
Mr. Idris Esen
INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SARAJEVO
Paromlinska 66, 71000 Sarajevo,Tel : +387 33 720 600 Fax: +387 33 720 625 newsletter@ius.edu.ba www.ius.edu.ba
IUS-the biggest foundation University in Bosnia-Herzegovina
A Message from
the Editorial Board:
With our joint efforts, another issue of
IUS Newsletter has been completed. In
this issue, we present to you many articles on events at our University.
The Editorial Board again invites all
those interested to take an active part in
creating IUS Newsletter, by sending us
your comments and suggestions and,
as well as, by providing us with interesting news. Therefore, please do not
hesitate to express your views at
newsletter@ius.edu.ba.
The Editorial Board wants to thank
everyone that has participated in the
preparation of the issue. With your help,
let us keep thriving towards new challenges!
Visit by Turkish Minister Nihat Ergün
Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Nihat Ergün,
visited the International University of Sarajevo on November 3 2009. Minister
Ergün was accompanied by the President of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Murat Yalçintaş. Minister Ergün and Mr. Yalçintaş were received in
the Rector’s Office by the President of the Foundation for the Education Development Sarajevo Mr. Hasan Topaloğlu, and the Rector of IUS, Prof. Dr. B.
Gültekin Çetiner.
During the reception, Mr. Topaloğlu introduced Minister Ergün with the plans
for the future development of the International University of Sarajevo as an institution of higher learning. He also presented detailed progress made on the
construction of the new university campus in Ilidža. Then, after the reception in
the Rector’s Office distinguished guests from Turkey met with the Bosnian businessmen, University representatives and students at the IUS Conference Hall.
Among many prominent representatives of Bosnia-Herzegovina were Minister of
Economy of Canton Sarajevo Mr. Abid Šarić, and President of the Chamber of
Commerce of Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Mr. Avdo Rapa. Mr. Ergün
began his speech by stating “I wish there was a university like this when I was
young,” articulating significant and promising future of IUS.
(Continued on page 4)
Partnership with the Bosnian-Herzegovinian
Business Club of the Netherlands
4th Turkish Economy Fair
Journal of Mathematics
Dedicated to Prof. Miller
On the invitation of Bosnian-Herzegovinian Business Club of the Netherlands,
IUS Rector Prof. Dr. B. Gültekin Çetiner and Vice-Rector Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhamed Hadžiabdić visited the Netherlands between November 20 and 23,
2009. There, they discussed the possibilities of a joint cooperation between
the BH Business Club and IUS. It was agreed that BH Business Club as an
agent will promote IUS in the region. Also, in the upcoming period, Dutch students of the Bosnian origin will be encouraged to do their internship at IUS,
while BH Business Club will facilitate internships for IUS students. The contact
person in the BH Business Club for the cooperation with IUS is Mrs. Naida
Ribić, the Vice President of the BH Business Club. More information about this
organization can be found at www.bihbc.nl.
During their visit, the Rector and the Vice-Rector also participated in the official
opening of the Office of Bosnian-Herzegovinian Business Club that was held
on November 21, 2009 in the Dutch city of Rosendaal. The Office was opened
by the Ambassador of Bosnia-Herzegovina to the Kingdom of Netherlands H.
E. Miranda Sidran-Kamišalić. Other prominent guests at the opening included
Mr. Safet Halilović, Minister for Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and
Herzegovina, and a number of Dutch and Turkish businessmen. At the opening ceremony, the Rector had an opportunity to promote IUS and offer youth
of Bosnian origin living in the Netherlands information about the study possibilities in Bosnia-Herzegovina. In his speech, the Rector mentioned IUS role
in reversing the brain drain of Bosnian academicians and already significant
impact achieved by the University in the country.
The trip to the Netherlands was also used for meeting with the leaders of
the large Turkish community in the Netherlands that amounts to half a million
people, discussing with them the possible opportunities for educational collaboration.
On the occasion of 70th birthday of Professor Harry I. Miller, the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Bosnia and Herzegovina dedicated the latest issue of Sarajevo
Journal of Mathematics to the professor.
This journal publishes original papers in all
fields of mathematics and Professor Miller
has been involved in its work as an editor,
author and referee from the journal’s foundation in 1985 until today. For his efforts
on the advancement of science and mathematics in Bosnia-Herzegovina, he was
elected a foreign member of the ANUBiH
in September 2008. IUS join the academic
community in extending warm wishes and
congratulations to Professor Miller on the
occassion of his 70th birthday and also
wish him good health, much happiness
and long years needed for his further scientific activities.
Paper Presentations
and Conferences
Together with leading Turkish companies, International University of Sarajevo participated in the traditional 4th Turkish Economy Fair that was held in
the Skenderija Centre in Sarajevo on November 4-7,
2009. The Fair was organized by the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce. This golden opportunity was used
to introduce the University to distinguished Turkish business representatives as well as to BosniaHerzegovinian inquisitive visitors. At its stand IUS
representatives distributed hundreds of promotional materials. “Appearance and the participation of the International University
of Sarajevo at this significant annual presentation of Turkish companies in Bosnia-Herzegovina is of incomparable importance to
higher education institutions such as the IUS. IUS stand was one of the most visited booths during this fair,” stated IUS students
who were present at the fair.
Visit and Roundtable Discussion with NATO Representative
Second Commander at NATO Headquarters in Sarajevo, US Army Colonel Michael Wells visited the International University of
Sarajevo on November 12, 2009 and participated in a roundtable discussion. This visit and roundtable discussion was organized by Dr. Kutluk Özgüven, from the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration. Mr. Huseyin Hayri Nuroğlu introduced
Mr. Wells about history, vision and mission of the University as well as stating the unique role IUS has been playing for the
development of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The two-hour roundtable discussion with the University representatives nurtured many outstanding questions. However, the
consensus has been reached that Bosnia-Herzegovina’s NATO membership, would secure long-term stability and security,
economic progress and multi-ethnicity within the country. It was also emphasized that as a future NATO member multi-ethnic
Bosnia-Herzegovina would constitute an element of stability and cooperation among great powers such as the United States
and Europe that often have different policies towards the Bosnian question.
Following the roundtable discussion Colonel Wells made a class lecture to International Relations and Social and Political
Science students. The lecture included a brief overview of NATO throughout its 60-years history, followed by a question and
answer session on a variety of challenging subjects. At the end of the visit, Dr. Özgüven presented Col. Michael Wells, with a
token of appreciation.
On October 16, 2009 Assist. Prof. Dr.
Senija Tahirović from the Psychology Program of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences participated at the Conference titled
“Children and Families: Critical Issues and
Socio-cultural Resources” that was held in
Bologna, Italy.
The Conference was organized by the
Faculty of Education of the University of
Bologna with the aim of comparing and
cross researching perspectives and results
on the everyday life of contemporary families and children, the critical issues they
cope with and the socio-cultural resources
available. The title of Dr. Tahirović’s paper
presentation was “Value of Parenting is
Measured by Love and Support.”
SAP User Group Assembly
Visit by Turkish Minister Nihat Ergün
With an aim to connect all SAP company users in Bosnia and Herzegovina, share joint experiences, as well as solve problems encountered while working, group of different company representatives decided to form an un-official group of SAP users in Bosnia
and Herzegovina (USKOBH). The Founding Assembly of the group was held at the premises of the IUS English Language School
on December 1st, starting at 12 o’clock and was attended by representatives from companies from Bosnia and Herzegovina and
Slovenia - JP Elektroprivreda BiH, BH Telecom dd, Bosnalijek dd, Cimos TMD AI Gradačac, Cimos dd, Slovenija, MANN HUMMEL
BA, Belinka, HELIOS Group, Iskratel, Kevinoplastika LOŽ dd and Atel d.o.o. Beside the IUS, partner of this Assembly was group of
SAP users of Slovenia SUSAP.
The meeting was opened with an introductory speech by IUS Rector Prof. Dr. B. Gültekin Çetiner and Mr. Harun Mataradžija who
talked about their experiences of working with the SAP and the
importance of merging of all SAP users on the state level. Later
on, representation of work group’s manner of work and the election of the group leadership followed, as well as presentation of
USKOBH’s plans and aims. On behalf of the IUS, Mr. Ali Osman
Kusakci from the Faculty of Economy and Business Administration,
gave a presentation on the IUS and its plans of cooperation in the
area of SAP.
During the meeting, following plans for the future we agreed: signing of the protocol on USKOBH membership by the companies that
participated at the Assembly; working on involving more members
to the group and promotion of USKOBH amongst all current and
potential buyers of the SAP software in BiH; developing web site
for the group that will have special part for the members, as well as user forum for different discussion.
Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Nihat Ergün,
visited the International University of Sarajevo. Minister Ergün was accompanied by the President of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Murat
Yalçintaş. Minister Ergün and Mr. Yalçintaş were received in the Rector’s Office
by the President of the Foundation for the Education Development Sarajevo Mr.
Hasan Topaloğlu, and the Rector of IUS, Prof. Dr. B. Gultekin Çetiner. During
the reception, Mr. Topaloğlu introduced Minister with the plans for the future development of the International University of Sarajevo as an institution of higher
learning. He also presented detailed progress made on the construction of the
new university campus in Ilidža.
Then, after the reception in the Rector’s Office distinguished guests from Turkey
met with the Bosnian businessmen, University representatives and students at
the IUS Conference Hall. Among many prominent representatives of Bosnia-Herzegovina were Minister of Economy of Canton Sarajevo Mr. Abid Šarić, and President of the Chamber of Commerce of Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Mr. Avdo
Rapa. Mr. Ergün began his speech by stating “I wish there was a university like this when I was young,” articulating significant
and promising future of IUS. On behalf of the International University of Sarajevo and the Foundation for the Development of
Education Minister Mr. Ergun was presented with a token of appreciation by Prof. Dr. Çetiner and Mr. Topaloğlu. The event
was followed by a number of media representatives from both Bosnia-Herzegovina and Turkey.
The meeting ended with the election of the group leadership that will represent the group in the next year - Denijel Pelidija (CIMOS
TMD AI Gradačac), Nihad Omerbegović (BH Telecom dd), Mirza Mustafić (MANN HUMMEL BA) and Samir Agić (Bosnalijek dd).
Accreditation and Quality Assurance Process
In the past few months, the academic staff from the International University of
Sarajevo participated in the number of workshops organized by the Council of Europe and the European Commission in order to improve and strengthen the higher
education in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Accordingly, several workshops were held in
Zenica and Sarajevo on November 17 and 18, 2009 in Mostar. One of these workshops titled “Strengthening Higher Education in Bosnia and Herzegovina III” was
organized to ensure the accreditation of the local universities across European Union countries. On behalf of the International University of Sarajevo, Assoc. Prof. Dr.
Ali Günes, the Dean of Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, and Mr. Shadi Fadda,
a lecturer of Faculty of Economics and Business Administration participated in
this workshop. Beside many other educational experts, two experts of Council of
Europe, Prof. Volker Gehmlich from Osnabrueck Uni
versity of Applied Sciences and Dr. Stephen Adam from University of Westminster also participated in this workshop.
The aim of this workshop was to analyze three previously prepared programs of Economics, Mechanical Engineering, and English
Language and Literature. The participants have indicated the weaknesses and strengths of these programs and had suggested the
ways for their improvement. “The workshop was very useful to learn from the experience of other universities in creating and running
new academic programs as well as being a golden opportunity for IUS staff to meet academicians and educators from other universities to sow the seeds of various future academic, educational and research projects” said Mr. Shadi Fadda. Afterwards, the groups
met for improvement session that was based on both the expert suggestions and participants’ experience.
In addition to the programs, participants decided to organize one additional workshop for the completion of their programs before the
beginning of the next workshop that will be held in Banja Luka on February 19 and 20, 2010.
The Bologna Framework
As the continuation of the workshop organized by the Council of Europe and European Commission in Zenica on October 16-17,
2009, International University of Sarajevo hosted the Bologna Framework Meeting for English Language and Literature programs.
The workshop was held in the IUS Conference Hall on Saturday, November 7, 2009 and was attended by representatives of
English Language and Literature programs from various local universities. “The meeting was important in several ways. First,
the staff of English Language and Literature program had a chance to meet and exchange ideas with the instructors from other
universities across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Secondly, we used this opportunity to promote IUS and its distinctive academic structure. Finally, the Council of Europe strives
to ’strengthen higher education in Bosnia and Herzegovina’ for making some changes and adaptation in the higher education
in accordance with the Bologna Process, which “is to create the European higher education area by making academic degree
standards and quality assurance standards more comparable and compatible throughout Europe, in particular, under the Lisbon
Recognition Convention” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Günes, the Dean of Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. In brief, the workshop
addressed the problems and ideas about how standardization in English language and literature programs could be achieved.
Then the group outlined provisionally the outcomes for those students who graduate from English language and literature programs and decided to prepare the curriculum according to these outcomes to be debated in the next meeting.
On The Occasion Of Eid
Students’ Food Exhibition for
Humanitarian Purposes
Once again, IUS Students proved that they harbor a huge heart and sensitivity for the needy and the poor. On November 20, 2009, International
Relations Students’ Club organized a food exhibition that had an aim to
gather the money to buy gifts for the orphan children at the Children’s Home
Bjelave. “We are very excited to be organizing this exhibition, which represents just one part of charity activities done by the students of the International University of Sarajevo. We hope to make these holidays happier for the
orphans at Children’s Home Bjelave. Our success is measured by the number
of smiles we put on children’s faces and we hope there will be many of them”
said Oguzhan Gedik, President of the International Relations Student’s Club. He
added that it was planned that the gifts would be delivered to Children’s Home
Bjelave.
Around forty students, professors and their spouses joined together and actively participated in the organization of this charity event by preparing various
types of dishes that were serviced at the IUS canteen. During the exhibition
that lasted from 13.00 to 15.00, the canteen was crowded with students
whose primary aim was donating the contributions to this honorable cause.
“Food exhibitions always allow us to combine two beneficial actions together: eating and helping others. Therefore, the money people spend is
self-beneficial and also goes for the humanitarian purposes,” explained
Hatun Sevgi, one of the students who organized the exhibition.
Eid ul-Adha Banquet
For years, it has been a tradition to celebrate Eid ul-Adha at the International University of Sarajevo. So, this year, on the second day of Eid ul-Adha,
November 28th 2009, at noon, IUS organized a banquet for academicians,
students, administrative and supportive staff and their families. According to
the tradition, younger ones kissed the hands of oldest, and children were given
“bajramluk”, pocket money to make them happy.
Students Visit to
Children’s Home Bjelave
Following the food exhibition organized on November 20, 2009 the International Relations Club representatives, Mr. Oguzhan Gedik and Miss. Enisa
Begić, visited Children’s Home Bjelave and delivered the gifts.
On the advice of Mr. Amir Zelić, General Manager of the Children’s
Home Bjelave, the representatives decided to buy things that children
in their institution need the most such as fruits, baby cosmetics, candies and toys, and so on. After the distribution of the gifts, Mr. Zelić
guided guests from the IUS through the Children’s Home Bjelave,
showing them departments where children are accommodated and,
as well as, introducing them to the activities of the Home.
Mr. Zelić stated that currently 106 children of all ages are living at
the Children’s Home out of which 20 are babies. Mr. Gedik shared his
impressions regarding this humanitarian project by stating „We are
delighted to be able to, with these small acts of kindness, make Eid-ulAdha happy for those who need it the most in our society.“
Traditional Musical Performance
On November 23, 2009 at 19:00 in the IUS Conference Hall, Mr. Osman
Nalbant organized for students, professors and their family members a
concert enriched with traditional music and songs. The concert was
organized as a part of Eid ul-Adha activities and it was performed
by a group of students from the Music Academy of University of
Sarajevo: Ms. Alma Hodžić, Ms. Ena Brdar, Ms. Belma Kubat, Ms.
Dijana Pliska and Ms. Esma Sulejmanagić.