CONGIST’26
Since 2018, Congist has been an international social sciences congress organized by the Faculty of Letters at Istanbul University. Our previous congresses focused on the themes Homecoming Soldier-War and Society (2018), The City's Language (2019), and Social Sciences and Artificial Intelligence: Theory and Practice (2024).
Our fourth Congist, to be held on May 13–15, 2026, will focus on the theme Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Crisis. This congress aims to bring together scholars from various fields of social sciences to explore the societal dimensions of crises and to seek viable solutions.
We chose this theme for the following reason:
In the social sciences, a crisis is broadly defined as a period in which established structures, norms, or systems within societies are severely shaken or destabilized. Crises can manifest in various forms such as economic collapses, political turmoil, environmental disasters, technological transformations, wars, pandemics, climate disruptions, or cultural conflicts. Historically, crises have marked turning points in societal change, compelling communities to adapt, restructure, or innovate. The impacts of crises have been profound, shaping societal trajectories, prompting adaptation, and triggering transformations. Societies that fail to effectively address crises often face collapse, while those that develop robust strategies are able to recover and evolve. Understanding crises within an interdisciplinary framework helps to reveal patterns, inform policies, and strengthen resilience in the face of current and future challenges.
Congist’26 aims to explore the dynamics of crises and sustainability through interdisciplinary perspectives. The event will highlight the importance of interdisciplinary work, fostering academic exchange and knowledge-sharing among experts from different fields. Beyond academic discussions, our congress seeks to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and offer innovative and applicable perspectives within the social sciences.
