ANKARA

A proposal for a research department on Turkish-Ottomans was submitted by Joseph H. H. Weiler, head of the European University Institute, to Turkish Education Minister Nabi Avci as he was received by the minister in Ankara. 

Avci and Weiler talked about the education of Turkish researchers in European universities, especially in the fields of economy, politics and law. 

Cooperation between Turkish and European universities in all departments will be increased, Weiler said. 

"It is high time for our institute to start a research department on the Ottomans to fill the gap in the department of history and civilization," he told an AA reporter in an interview. 

"The Ottoman Empire and its culture played a great role in shaping the Middle East and the world. That is why we wanted the department in our institute," he said. 

Stating that the institute has a rich archive for further studies, Weiler said those who are educated in the Ottoman department will be experts who can teach Ottoman history. 

Through this department, a number of students will be hosted by the European Institute who will study for doctorate in the field, he said. He added that the proposal was welcomed by the Turkish minister. 

Proposals from outside Turkey such as these are forwarded to the foreign ministry to be evaluated. When approved, the new departments are opened, with the Ministry of National Education providing the lecturers needed. 

Here is a selection of active research departments on Turkey: 

- The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, which provides a meeting point between the Islamic and Western worlds of learning.

- Vehbi Koc Turkish Studies, under The Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Harvard University.

- Contemporary Turkish Studies, under the London School of Economics and Political Science.

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