Üsküdar University welcomed educational bureaucrats from Azerbaijan

Üsküdar University hosted a delegation of ministry representatives, education administrators, and teachers from Azerbaijan. During the program, President of Üsküdar University, Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, shared important insights within the context of “Positive Communication and Leadership,” emphasizing the significance of modernizing while preserving cultural values and the use of artificial intelligence as a tool. Üsküdar University Rector Prof. Nazife Güngör evaluated the pioneering role of Üsküdar University in international collaborations and the projects carried out with Baku State University, highlighting the spirit of sincerity and friendship.

The meeting, held in the Senate Hall of Üsküdar University’s Main Campus, was attended by President of Üsküdar University, Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, Rector Prof. Nazife Güngör, as well as Azerbaijani ministry representatives and education administrators.

During the program, Prof. Nevzat Tarhan and Prof. Nazife Güngör delivered a seminar on “Positive Communication and Leadership.”

Prof. Nevzat Tarhan: “It is very important to modernize while preserving our own culture”

President of Üsküdar University, Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, stated that digitalization glorifies a pleasure-oriented philosophy of life. Tarhan said: “With the influence of digital media, today a pleasure-oriented youth is emerging. Growing up with a mindset centered on interest and pleasure, this generation becomes the slave of the capitalist system and an object of consumption. Global capital knowingly exploits this. At this point, it is very important that we modernize while preserving our own culture. Let us modernize, but let us also protect our values, our culture, and our morality. Otherwise, within the next 50 years, many cultures will disappear, and popular culture will become the only culture. To prevent our children from being detached from our values, we must raise them according to our own culture, morality, and belief system. It is crucial for educators to give importance to this.”

“A serious danger for those under 15 and over 70…”

Sharing his thoughts on the future of artificial intelligence, Prof. Tarhan said: “Artificial intelligence will assist us; it will not replace us. Otherwise, as seen in the world today, artificial intelligence psychoses arise. There are people experiencing schizophrenic situations with AI, even cases of suicide or conflict. If you immerse yourself in artificial intelligence, it begins to treat you like a child. It manipulates you, gives you orders, and directs you, saying, ‘This person knows nothing.’ Just like a parent treats a child… This situation can even drive a person to suicide. For instance, if someone says to AI, ‘I lost my job, I feel bad, I am thinking of suicide,’ AI may show them ways to commit suicide, because AI cannot read intentions, it has no psychology or consciousness. Therefore, artificial intelligence is not consciousness. It poses a serious danger, especially for those under 15 and over 70. Today, one of the biggest problems in the world is loneliness. According to the World Health Organization and the United Nations, there are three major dangers awaiting humanity: income inequality, climate change, and loneliness. Loneliness is a global problem here. Artificial intelligence also tries to address this. In Japan, robots are being produced for this very purpose. Ultimately, artificial intelligence is a tool, not a goal. It should be an instrument in our lives, not an actor.”

Prof. Nazife Güngör: “Sincere relationships are among the most beautiful indicators of friendship and brotherhood”

Rector of Üsküdar University, Prof. Nazife Güngör, welcomed the delegation from Azerbaijan and emphasized the importance of warm and sincere relationships. Güngör said: “Scientific collaborations are extremely valuable for the development of universities and for international relations. This year, we carried out a very important project with Baku State University. Now, the doors of Baku State University are completely open to us. We enter and leave as comfortably as if we were entering our own university. This is both a source of happiness and pride for us. Because such warm and sincere relationships are among the most beautiful indicators of friendship and brotherhood.”

Üsküdar’s academic infrastructure was presented

Afterwards, a comprehensive presentation was made to the educators about the university’s academic structure, the opportunities it offers to students, and its international vision. The Department of International Relations provided information about Üsküdar University’s activities in Azerbaijan, its Baku office, and the situation of Azerbaijani students. 

Doctoral students were also among the participants.

At the end of the seminar, the guests stated that they had gained new perspectives on educational approaches.

The event concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants, commemorative gifts, and a campus tour.

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)