Confucius Institute at Bogazici University

Confucius Institute at Boğaziçi University (CIBU) was inaugurated in 2008, under the framework of Confucius Institute Headquarters/Hanban, as a joint enterprise of Boğaziçi University and Shanghai University. Chinese language teaching started in the fall semester of 2009; an opening ceremony was held in 2010, with the presence of Mr. Li Changchun, a member of the standing committee of China’s Central Politburo. CIBU is a comprehensive education institution with a three-fold mission of Chinese language teaching, cultural communication and academic research. Based in Boğaziçi University, it has a vision of serving the whole community in Istanbul. At Boğaziçi University, CIBU provides credit courses on Chinese language, including beginners, immediate and advanced levels, as well as reading courses on Chinese history, culture and society. There are also weekend courses of three levels, free night courses on Chinese language and culture for BU faculties and staffs, and interest courses on Tai-chi, calligraphy, tea art, and Chinese cuisine. Other programs include: visiting China program for educators, student summer camp, HSK and HSKK tests, Chinese Bridge, Confucius China Studies program, and various scholarships for study in China. The governance of CIBU is due to the partnership of Boğaziçi University and Shanghai University. Each side selects three advisors and a chairperson for the CI board, and appointed a director respectively. The board and the co-directors are responsible for Confucius Institute Headquarters/Hanban. A leading scholar on Asian studies, Prof. Selçuk Esenbel took the responsibility of Turkish Director from 2008 to 2013; Dr. Lan Ni (2009-2011)、Dr. Fuguang Miao (2011-2013) and Dr. Yi Liu (2013-2016) acted as Chinese Directors. Since the fall semester of 2016, Prof. Arzu Öztürkmen and Dr. Wenhong Li started their term as Turkish and Chinese Director respectively; Prof. Selçuk Esenbel will continue her participation as an advisor.