Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University

Message from the Head of Department

Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University, one of Turkey's youngest state universities, embraces the slogan ‘New Generation State University’. The Department of International Trade and Logistics shapes all its education, teaching and research processes under the slogan ‘Cross the Boundaries’, integrating the university's ‘new generation’ emphasis and the department's mission. Our Department boasts a young, dynamic and internationally recognised academic staff, with academics who have private sector experience and experts from various organisations also supporting the courses.

Our department is located in one of Turkey's rare logistics centres where road, rail and sea transport modes are integrated, offering students a unique sectoral advantage. The fact that approximately 40% of cargo involved in maritime trade in our country is handled in the ports of the Marmara Region clearly demonstrates the region's critical role in the logistics ecosystem. In this context, the Port of Bandırma, which is the trade and logistics centre of Southern Marmara, strengthens its strategic importance with its railway connection extending to the quays, offering high-level logistics integration opportunities to Istanbul, Southern Marmara and the Aegean regions. According to 2024 data, 4.4 million tonnes of dry bulk and general cargo, 782,000 tonnes of liquid chemical cargo and 52,000 tonnes of other liquid bulk cargo were handled at the port. Furthermore, container handling increased from 2,341 TEU in 2023 to 5,190 TEU in 2024. Furthermore, according to foreign trade data for the first seven months of 2025, approximately $442 million worth of exports and $935 million worth of imports took place at Bandırma Port, with the total foreign trade volume exceeding $1.4 billion. During the same period, the total customs duty and VAT revenue collected by the Bandırma Customs Directorate, amounting to 2.4 billion TL, demonstrates the economic vitality of the region and strengthens Bandırma's position as a strategic centre for foreign trade. On the other hand, the activities of approximately 100 export companies registered with the Bandırma Chamber of Commerce further strengthen the region's foreign trade potential. All these features place our department in a more advantageous position compared to similar departments and offer students the opportunity to establish direct contact with the sector. Furthermore, regular sea bus services between Bandırma and Istanbul contribute to passenger transport; the military air base located in the city and Bandırma's proximity to road and air transport hubs further reinforce the region's strategic advantage in terms of multimodal logistics.

The vibrant and dynamic structure of Bandırma enables students to benefit even more from the support of representatives from both the public and private sectors. Thanks to its growing staff and its geographical location, the Department of International Trade and Logistics is becoming stronger every day with its internal and external stakeholders and the industry professionals on its advisory board.

In addition, our Department has two complementary student clubs: the Logistics Society and the International Trade Society. Our clubs create a social environment for members to bond, while also inviting industry professionals to our University through regular events, thereby fostering a growing ecosystem. Furthermore, numerous technical field trips enable our students to gain first-hand experience of the industry.

According to 2024 data, the ‘International Trade and Logistics Department’ ranks 8th among programmes with the same name at 35 state universities in terms of the ‘minimum score and success ranking’ criterion. Our department's academic staff consists of 2 Professors, 2 Associate Professors, 1 Assistant Professor, and 3 Research Assistants. I would like to welcome prospective students who choose our department. I invite you to push your boundaries through the education and training you will receive.

Prof. Dr. Harun YILDIZ

Head of Department