The opening panel was held at the Martyr Bekir Can Kerek Conference Hall of the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences (FEAS) at Pamukkale University (PAÜ). The panel was attended by PAÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmud Güngör, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ersan Öz, Dean of FEAS Prof. Dr. Ender Coşkun, and President of the Turkish Economic Association Prof. Dr. Hasan Kazdağlı. The program started with a moment of silence and the National Anthem, followed by opening speeches.

Rector Güngör: “Today, the Economics Summer Seminars are no longer just an academic event but have become a recognized brand of Pamukkale University at both national and international levels.”

In his speech, PAÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmud Güngör stated: “Welcome to the 23rd edition of our Economics Summer Seminars. Since its inception in 2002, this event has become an important platform that brings scientific developments in economics, finance, statistics, and econometrics to the whole of Türkiye. These seminars have not only strengthened academic knowledge but also established an interdisciplinary network, creating new research and cooperation opportunities, reaching today’s level. It can now be confidently said that the Economics Summer Seminars are no longer just an academic event but have become a brand recognized nationally and internationally under the name of Pamukkale University. These seminars bring together academic researchers from all over Türkiye and academicians working in various countries around the world, demonstrating our university’s determination to lead in science and disseminate knowledge. With their stable structure and academic quality, the seminars have also become a symbol that makes the respected identity of Pamukkale University visible in the scientific community. The seminars also serve as a cultural ambassador; every year, scientists from various countries and universities in Türkiye not only get to access the most up-to-date academic information but also have the opportunity to recognize the historical and cultural significance of our city Denizli. From the Pamukkale Travertines and Hierapolis Ancient City to the textile industry and gastronomy, our city, known in many ways, gains international visibility through the Economics Summer Seminars. This year, for the first time, two panels have been added to the program, one of which is titled ‘Artificial Intelligence and Data Science.’ This panel will discuss both the historical process and the transformative power of technology in the economy. I wish our event to be beneficial for our university, city, region, and country.”

Center Director Assoc. Prof. Kangallı Uyar: “Institutional ownership of an academic event to this extent is one of the key factors that make the Economics Summer Seminars a sustainable and respected platform.”

Assoc. Prof. Sinem Güler Kangallı Uyar, Director of the Economic and Econometric Research Center, said: “This year marks the 23rd edition of the seminars that have brought Pamukkale University’s name to a respected point in Türkiye and worldwide. Our seminars have become not just an event but an inseparable part of our university’s institutional identity, almost a scientific brand. Today’s panel titled ‘From the History of EYS to Data Science and Artificial Intelligence’ aims to connect the legacy of the past with the transformation areas of the future. I thank the organizing team for their dedicated efforts. I also express our gratitude to PAÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmud Güngör, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ersan Öz, other vice rectors, our university’s general secretariat, and all relevant units for their continuous support. Institutional ownership is one of the most important factors that make the Economics Summer Seminars a sustainable and respected platform. Thank you all for your support, and I wish the panel to be productive.”

Dean Prof. Dr. Coşkun: “Due to its quality and wide reach, Pamukkale University’s Economics Summer Seminars have gained a distinguished place among such events.”

FEAS Dean Prof. Dr. Ender Coşkun stated: “Our International Economics Summer Seminars, which have brought together numerous researchers and academicians from all over Türkiye and many representatives from the private sector, have become a very important platform for knowledge sharing. I congratulate and thank all the faculty members who contributed over these 23 years. Whenever we attend a scientific event, we often hear scientists say, ‘Our paths crossed with EYS; we benefited from the Economics Summer Seminars,’ which makes us proud. These seminars have become a brand for our faculty and university. Due to their quality and the broad audience they reach, Pamukkale University’s Economics Summer Seminars have secured a select place among similar events. The seminars have continuously improved since day one. I thank all my colleagues who contributed since 2002, and I wish the 23rd International Economics Seminars starting today to be fruitful and qualified.”

Following the opening speeches, the program continued with a speech titled “Starting Point of the Economics Summer Seminars” by Prof. Dr. Hasan Kazdağlı, President of the Turkish Economic Association. The program concluded with the panel titled “From the History of EYS to Data Science and Artificial Intelligence,” moderated by Prof. Dr. Hakan Aygören and featuring guest speakers Prof. Dr. Haluk Erlat, Prof. Dr. Celal Küçüker, Prof. Dr. Necmi Gürsakal, Prof. Dr. Serdar İplikci, and Buğra Yüksel.