During a meeting between Rector Arben Hajrullahu and the President of the Turkish Historical Society, Yüksel Özgen, alongside discussions of commonalities between the two peoples and current and future cooperations, it was emphasized that written history must be grounded in truth, empirical evidence, and scientific methods. 

Guest Özgen cited a guiding principle of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey and its first president, on avoiding historical distortion. Atatürk, who is said to have Albanian roots on his father’s side, declared: “Writing history is as important as making of it. If the writer does not remain faithful to the maker, unchanging truth transforms into confusing matter for humanity.” According to Özgen, this principle of Atatürk is inscribed at the entrance of the Turkish Historical Society’s building. 

Rector Hajrullahu noted that history should not be viewed in black-and-white terms, adding that cultural and historical artifacts, before being claimed by any nation, are the heritage of humanity. 

President Yüksel Özgen proposed organizing a joint scientific conference in Kosovo in June—coinciding with the anniversary of the birth and death of Sami Frashëri, a pivotal figure for both nations—to honor his life and work. He also highlighted opportunities for book exchanges and cooperation between historians and institutions in Turkey and regions with Albanian communities. 

Given the deep cultural ties between Kosovo and Turkey, where people in both countries feel “more at home than as guests,” Rector Hajrullahu reaffirmed the University of Prishtina’s strong interest in advancing international cooperation. 

Abdulla Rexhepi, Dean of the Faculty of Philology, present at the meeting, noted that 33 books by Sami Frashëri have been translated into Albanian and emphasized his faculty’s capacity to host joint events celebrating the great Albanian intellectual. 

The Turkish Historical Society, founded 94 years ago by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, stands as Turkey’s foremost institution for historical research, dedicated to exploring Turkish, regional, and global history. As of now, it has produced 2,500 book titles.