The 13th International Communication Days (IFIG2026) “International Symposium on Communication in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” hosted by Near East University, has begun. The three-day symposium brings together numerous academics from 9 different countries.
Organized in collaboration with Near East University and Üsküdar University, the 13th International Communication Days (IFIG 2026) “International Symposium on Communication in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” commenced in the Orange Hall of the Faculty of Communication at Near East University. The three-day symposium addresses the transformation created by artificial intelligence in the field of communication from a multi-dimensional perspective, bringing together national and international academics on the same platform.
Approximately 150 papers will be presented in a total of 24 sessions at the symposium where numerous academics from Turkey, Northern Cyprus, Azerbaijan, the United Kingdom, Hungary, Portugal, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, and Nigeria have come together. The symposium addresses a wide range of current topics, from journalism and disinformation to deepfake technologies, digital marketing, advertising, social media, virtual influencers, cinema, and digital art. Gender, media literacy, and the use of artificial intelligence in academic production processes are also among the prominent topics of the sessions.
The symposium, which began with a moment of silence and the Turkish National Anthem, featured opening speeches by Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, Near East University Faculty of Communication Dean Prof. Dr. Fevzi Kasap, Üsküdar University Faculty of Communication Dean Prof. Dr. Gül Esra Atalay, and Prof. DUX, an AI-based academician. The opening sessions also included presentations by master director and Near East University Faculty of Communication lecturer Assoc. Prof. Dr. Derviş Zaim. Prof. Dr. Vuqar Ziferoğlu from Baku State University and Prof. Mirca Madianou from Goldsmiths University London participated as invited speakers.
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “If we only pursue efficiency and completely entrust the questioning process to algorithms, we become content operators, not academics.”
Emphasizing that communication technologies have been shaped by power relations throughout history, the Rector of Near East University, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, stated that artificial intelligence has made this process faster and more complex. Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ also noted that artificial intelligence is not merely a content production tool, but that this new technology is reshaping power balances in the field of communication.
Touching upon the academic achievements of Near East University, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ reminded the audience that the university has risen to 43rd place globally in the Times Higher Education 2025 World University Impact Rankings and is among the top 500 universities in the world in the 2026 World University Rankings. He emphasized that these achievements are not merely statistics. Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ said, “Each step represents a research project, an academician, and a student.”
In his speech, Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ also gave information about the AI-based academician AI. Prof. DUX developed by Near East University, saying, “DUX is not an answer machine, it is a system that triggers questioning, offers alternative perspectives, and directs the academician towards the process, not the result.” Emphasizing the importance of the correct use of artificial intelligence in academia, Şanlıdağ stressed that the main goal is to accelerate thought, not replace it. “If we only focus on efficiency and leave the questioning process entirely to algorithms, we become content operators, not academicians.”, he said.
Prof. Dr. Fevzi Kasap: “We will discuss the most up-to-date developments related to technology and progress here together.”
Expressing that this scientific meeting, which emerged after a long preparation process, has turned into a significant success, Prof. Dr. Fevzi Kasap, Dean of the Faculty of Communication at Near East University, added, “The point that the 13th International Communication Days has reached today is a concrete demonstration of academic effort and international cooperation.” Emphasizing that Near East University is an institution that stands out with its academic productivity and international visibility, Prof. Dr. Kasap noted that the university has become one of the leading higher education institutions in the TRNC. He further stated that Near East University holds a strong position on a global scale through its scientific research, international projects, and academic collaborations, and that such organizations are a natural reflection of this academic accumulation.
Referring to the sessions to be held within the scope of the event, Prof. Dr. Kasap stated that the most critical issues of our time will be addressed in a multi-dimensional way. “We will discuss the most current developments related to technology and progress here together. I wholeheartedly believe that it will be a fruitful, productive, and eye-opening symposium.”, he said.
Prof. Dr. Gül Esra Atalay: “Today, we will discuss together where artificial intelligence is heading and how it is transforming the field of communication.”
Beginning her speech by touching upon the evolution of the Communication Days, Prof. Dr. Gül Esra Atalay, Dean of the Faculty of Communication at Üsküdar University, said, “Communication Days started 13 years ago as a small-scale academic event with only invited speakers. Now, it has become a widely attended international symposium.” Stating that this year’s main theme is artificial intelligence, Prof. Dr. Gül Esra Atalay drew attention to the radical transformation that technology has created, especially in the fields of communication and media. She emphasized that artificial intelligence is not only a technical advancement but also a powerful agent of change reshaping professions, theories, and communication practices. Prof. Dr. Atalay concluded her speech by saying, “Today, we will discuss together where artificial intelligence is headed and how it is transforming the field of communication.”
