On April 6, 2026, the “100th Anniversary Library” at our university library was opened to service with a ceremony. The event was attended by Karaman Member of Parliament Osman Sağlam, President of the Turkish Historical Society Prof. Dr. Yüksel Özgen, Rector of Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University Prof. Dr. Mehmet Gavgalı, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. İdris Nebi Uysal, as well as representatives of the provincial and university protocol. The opening program also attracted significant interest from the academic staff and students of the Department of History.

The library, established at the university by the Turkish Historical Society, includes a total of 1,138 works—851 books and 287 journals—covering various fields such as language, history, literature, sports, fine arts, social sciences, and periodicals, all of which have been added to the Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University Library collection. In this respect, the library aims to contribute to interdisciplinary studies and to strengthen students’ and researchers’ access to knowledge.

Following the opening program, Prof. Dr. Yüksel Özgen met with academic staff and students and answered questions from history students regarding history education and the profession of historiography. During an interview conducted by Enes Şahinbaş, a graduate student in the Department of History, Prof. Dr. Özgen was asked: “What kinds of activities does the Turkish Historical Society carry out in the field of public diplomacy, often referred to as our ‘soft power,’ in promoting our country abroad?” In response, Prof. Dr. Özgen stated: “The Turkish Historical Society actively conducts efforts to promote Turkey’s historical heritage on international platforms. In particular, throughout 2025, a total of 25 conferences, symposiums, and academic events were organized abroad. At these events, both scientific data on Turkish history were shared and our country’s historical theses were defended within an academic framework.” Another question raised by Mr. Şahinbaş concerned the opportunities provided by the Turkish Historical Society to history students. Prof. Dr. Özgen answered: “The Turkish Historical Society provides various forms of academic support to students studying history. In this context, scholarships are offered at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. These scholarships help students to pursue their academic work more comfortably. In addition, the institution facilitates access to knowledge by offering its published books and journals to the public at affordable prices. Furthermore, its archival and library resources are made available to researchers, and young historians are encouraged to participate in scholarly production.” Finally, Mr. Şahinbaş asked: “What kind of work does the Turkish Historical Society carry out abroad regarding the so-called Armenian Genocide?” Prof. Dr. Yüksel Özgen responded: “The Turkish Historical Society conducts academically grounded studies on this issue at the international level. In particular, Turkey’s views and historical theses are presented through conferences, symposiums, and scientific publications abroad. Articles and books prepared by expert historians are translated into different languages and presented to international academic circles. In this way, the issue is addressed on a scientific basis, and Turkey’s perspective is conveyed to the global public.”

The event concluded with a conversation among academics and students. We would like to thank the Turkish Historical Society and Prof. Dr. Yüksel Özgen for sharing their valuable insights with us and for their contributions to bringing this valuable library to our university.