Uzbek Academics Were Hosted at Our College as Part of the VSP Program

As part of its efforts to strengthen international academic collaboration and knowledge sharing, the Zile Dinçerler School of Tourism Management and Hospitality at Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University hosted Dilrabo Mardonova and Nodira Mukhmmadıeva, faculty members from the Department of Tourism at the Uzbekistan International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage, under the Visiting Scholar Program (VSP).

The five-day program, conducted under the guidance of faculty mentors Prof. Dr. Evrim Çeltek and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Alkış, concluded with an intensive agenda that included not only academic knowledge sharing but also cultural exchange.

On the first day of the program, the visiting faculty members were met at the airport by Prof. Dr. Evrim Çeltek and escorted to their accommodations. They were then given a tour of the Zile Dinçerler School of Tourism Management and Hotel Management, where they were briefed on the school’s academic structure, educational activities, and practical training opportunities. Prof. Dr. Evrim Çeltek introduced the Department of Recreation Management, providing information on the department’s curriculum and practical application areas. Later in the day, following a lunch featuring local Zile delicacies, the visiting academics were taken on a tour of Zile Market and the historic Zile Castle to introduce them to the district’s cultural and historical treasures.

On the second day of the program, the group visited the Main Campus of Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University. While the visiting faculty members were briefed by university officials on the university’s academic and administrative units, comprehensive information was shared regarding the university’s education and teaching, research, and internationalization activities.

On the third day, a cultural excursion to Amasya Province was organized under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Evrim Çeltek. The group visited key sites in Amasya, which is renowned for its historical and cultural heritage, and explored the region’s tourism potential.

On the fourth day, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Alkış gave a presentation on the Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts. While information was provided about the department’s training kitchens and educational infrastructure, a hands-on session was conducted with the visiting academics to prepare Kilis Tavası, a local specialty, as part of the practical training. At the end of the program, various academic publications, as well as books and brochures promoting Zile, were presented to the visiting faculty members.

During the meetings, discussions took place regarding the conduct of joint scientific research between the two universities, increasing faculty and student mobility, and organizing joint conferences and scientific events. The parties expressed their mutual goodwill regarding future joint projects and academic collaborations.

On the final day of the program, the visiting faculty members were seen off at the airport by Prof. Dr. Evrim Çeltek. Prior to their departure, our College Director, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Veysel Yılmaz, presented the visiting academics with certificates of participation and various gifts.

As part of the VSP program, visiting faculty members had the opportunity to examine firsthand contemporary pedagogical approaches used in tourism education and current practices in scientific research, while actively sharing knowledge and experience with Turkish academics. The joint research ideas and academic collaboration initiatives developed during the program made a significant contribution to strengthening institutional ties between Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University and the Uzbekistan International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage.

This international mobility program, organized by the Zile Dinçerler School of Tourism Management and Hotel Management, is regarded as one of the key steps contributing to Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University’s vision of internationalization, while also laying a strong foundation for future joint academic projects.