OMU summit delivers roadmap for sustainable urbanization across the Turkic world

The final declaration of the Turkic World Urbanism Summit, held in Samsun on 20–21 April 2026 under the hosting of Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU), was signed at a ceremony held in the OMU Senate Hall.

At the summit, organized to develop sustainable urbanization policies in the Turkic world and strengthen academic cooperation, multidimensional principles and recommendations were adopted.

The declaration was signed by Atyrau University Rector Prof. Dr. Salamat Nurmuhanulu Idrissov (Kazakhstan), Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus), International Vision University Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Vecdi Can (North Macedonia), University of Management and Future Technologies Rector Prof. Dr. Muhammadismoil Mahmudov (Uzbekistan), and OMU Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın.

Establishment of the Turkic World Urbanism Academy proposed

The declaration adopted within the scope of the summit proposed the establishment of the Turkic World Urbanism Academy (TÜŞA), emphasizing that this structure should function as a center that analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of cities, develops planning proposals, and facilitates knowledge sharing. It was also proposed that digital knowledge banks and open data platforms be established within TÜŞA to systematize joint research, project development, and knowledge exchange among universities of the Turkic world.

Academic cooperation and exchange programs to be expanded

The declaration stated that cooperation within the Organization of Turkic States and the Union of Turkic Universities should be expanded to include urbanism, sustainability, and social resilience. It also emphasized that joint research and exchange programs for the Turkic world should be broadened to include related communities.

It was proposed that technoparks and R&D collaborations be expanded under the leadership of universities and that innovative approaches produced by academia be highlighted as best practice examples. Additionally, it was noted that the Orkhon Exchange Program should be expanded with a focus on urbanism and urban policy and that its institutional capacity should be strengthened.

Inter-university networks and student cooperation to be strengthened

The declaration emphasized the establishment of sister university, faculty, and department networks among universities of the Turkic world, and the need to increase the sharing of knowledge, experience, and support. It also proposed the creation of a joint communication platform for student communities and the expansion of “Virtual Design Studios,” where students from different countries can collaborate.

Urbanization approach to be addressed in a multidimensional manner

The declaration stated that urban planning processes should not be addressed solely from the perspective of physical transformation, but should be reconsidered within an academic framework focusing on social integration, quality of life, and environmental sustainability. It also highlighted the importance of designing experience spaces to be established on campuses in a way that enhances accessibility and the quality of public spaces in cities.

Digital technologies and data-driven approaches highlighted

The declaration emphasized that universities should create spatial inventories by using Geographic Information Systems, remote sensing, and digital twin technologies to identify building stocks with high disaster risk and low energy efficiency. It was stated that these data should be analyzed to determine priority intervention areas and that academic support should be provided for monitoring smart city applications through measurable indicators. It was also noted that universities should actively contribute to the preparation and updating of cities’ climate risk maps.

Joint platforms proposed for water, climate, and smart cities

The declaration proposed the establishment of a “Turkic World Water Platform” to enable joint monitoring and policy development in the fields of climate change and water security. It also stated that common methodologies should be developed for monitoring carbon and water footprints.

It was proposed to establish a “Turkic World Smart Cities Index” to evaluate the performance of Turkic cities, and to identify universities and academics specialized in Intelligent Transportation Systems in order to form scientific platforms in this field.

Joint academic network to be established for resilient cities

The declaration also proposed that universities establish a joint network among academic centers that develop data-driven analyses and policy recommendations in the fields of crisis management and social resilience. It was further emphasized that digital applications, virtual platforms, and culture-oriented academic studies should be supported to increase the visibility of Turkic-Islamic urban heritage.

Representatives of higher education institutions of the Turkic world expressed their satisfaction in signing this declaration, prepared with the vision of “resilient cities, strong societies, shared future.”

The program concluded after participants exchanged views and presented their evaluations and feedback.