The Türkiye-France Realtions Research and Application Centre (TÜFRAM) at Marmara University was established under the auspices of the Rectorate of Marmara University, pursuant to the regulation published in the Resmi Gazete dated October 10, 2018, No. 30561, with the aim of contributing to the development of bilateral relations between the two countries. 

 

The Centre officially commenced its activities as of April 2021, in collaboration with the undergraduate program in Political Sciences and Public Administration in French, formerly known as the Department of Public Administration in French, established in 1988 as Türkiye's first French-medium undergraduate program through an agreement between Türkiye and France.

 

Within this framework, TÜFRAM is committed to informing both Turkish and French public spheres; conducting research aimed at addressing challanges in bilateral relations and sharing the results with the public; generating knowledge in areas needed by Turkish and French business communities; and particularly enhancing cooperation and communication between Turkish and French higher education institutions.

 

TÜFRAM's primary activities include organising academic events (seminars, workshops, panels, conferences, etc.) on Türkiye-France relations at both national and international levels; engaging in cooperation with national and international institutions and organizations in the field; developing and implementing research projects; and undertaking studies and research, preparing projects, and providing consultancy services in response to requests from Turkish and French public institutions, civil society organisations, and the business sector.

 

The activities aligned with TÜFRAM's mission are carried out under the leadership of the Centre's Director, Prof. Dr. Ali Ari, and Deputy Directors Asst. Prof. Dr. Nazan Cömert Baechler and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Merve Özdemirkiran Embel, in collaboration with the academic staff of the Political Sciences and Public Administration in French program.

 

Research Focus Areas:

• European Union
• Environmental Policies
• Migration Studies
• Gender Studies
• Crisis Management
• Human Rights
• Public Policy
• Risk Policies
• Middle Eastern and African Studies
• Local Governance