LSE Launches Chair in Contemporary Turkish Studies at European Institute

The London School of Economics (LSE) established a Chair in Contemporary Turkish Studies, housed within the university's European Institute (EI).

Turkish State Minister Besir Atalay announced the development at a news conference, describing the chair as evidence of strong academic ties between Türkiye and Britain, alongside existing political, economic, and cultural links. He also called the LSE's decision a concrete signal that Türkiye belongs in Europe, and reaffirmed Türkiye's commitment to cooperation with European institutions in academic matters.

Kevin Featherstone, professor and director of the European Institute, welcomed the appointment, saying it would place Turkish studies at the center of the institute's expanding work and allow scholars to move beyond conventional approaches to the subject.

Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in June 2006, in its own words.