International congresses are not only the environments where academic presentations are performed and information exchange is generated, but also the space for the scientists to recognise each other and to find opportunity for networking. By this way, the development of social and cultural interaction, which is primarily one of the most general objectives of the mankind, leeds to a life of peace and friendship.
The process, which finally led to the preparation of this book had also begun with an international congress. The friendship and academic cooperation initiated in Toruń, Poland in 2005 lies in the background of this book.
Besides the numerous academic studies since 2005 to present, friendship between the families of the editors of this book also improved. By writing articles together, collaborating in joint projects like Herodot, ExHEGeT and finally CHiSE, lots of success is achieved.
The studies performed in project partnership are not limited to Toruń and Ankara, but also continued with the universities from Cluj-Napoca, Romania; Ljubljana, Slovenia; Vilnius, Lithuania; Lisbon, Portugal and Brno, Czech Republic.
Particularly, the experiences and friendship of the last 6 years include topics that could not take place in an academic book. In addition to the wide range of academic issues like e.g. knowledge exchange, ties important on social-cultural levels were established. The connection and relationships were established not only between the academic staff, but also between the students and academicians from different countries. As a result, the necessity to complete the workshop made participants upset and reluctant to departure to home countries.
This friendship and common ideas yielded in different ways. For example; ERASMUS academic staff and student exchange agreements were signed, trips were organized and the project afterlife is still ongoing in the virtual world like Facebook. It is almost sure that this experience cannot easily be finished and forgotten by the project participants.
Considering the facts emphasized, it is certain that the main goals were achieved in respect to the founding philosophy of the European Union and Erasmus projects. We owe a debt of gratitude to persons who contributed to the establishment and the success of the project.
April, 2015/Ankara
