Harmoon Centre invites researchers to participate in its Fifth Annual Conference on Syrian Studies

The Harmoon Centre for Contemporary Studies is pleased to invite researchers interested in various aspects of Syrian studies to submit their participation applications for the Fifth Session of the Annual Conference on Syrian Studies. This event brings together scholars and researchers in the social sciences and humanities. This version of the conference will be held in Istanbul from July 25 to July 27, 2025.

Conference Goals and Objectives:

The conference aims to contribute to the establishment of a Syrian academic community by bringing together researchers who engage With topics related to Syria. This year, the conference will serve as an opportunity to enhance interaction between Syrian scholars and their counterparts from other nationalities. The international presence at the conference will create a conducive environment for exchanging academic ideas, experiences, and fostering scientific dialogue, which in turn will build a global academic network that enhances the impact of research on Syria and sheds light on new and deeper insights regarding Syrian issues. This academic interaction will enrich discussions and strengthen mutual understanding of the challenges Syria faces after six decades of repression, which stifled freedom of expression, and restricted research in social sciences and humanities.

The conference will serve as a platform for researchers to present their completed or ongoing research, regardless of the topic or academic discipline. Papers may be drawn from PhD or Master’s theses, or forthcoming books. The conference will be held in both Arabic and English, allowing participants to freely and independently express their ideas in an academic atmosphere characterized by objectivity, interaction, and critical thinking.

Previously published papers, either partially or fully, will not be accepted. The intellectual property rights of the research presented, except for postgraduate theses (Master’s or PhD), will belong to the conference. When publishing, these papers must acknowledge that they were presented at this conference.

Peer Review and Publication:

Submitted papers will undergo a review process by experts. Papers, excluding Master’s and PhD theses, will be published in Qalamoun Journal, on the Harmoon Centre website, or in a book dedicated to the conference. This will enable a wide readership to engage with the research produced.

Conference Participation:

Researchers from all nationalities interested in participating are invited to submit their applications via the link below, along with an abstract (no more than 500 words) in Arabic or English. The research topics must focus on Syria.

In line with the mission of the Harmoon Centre for Contemporary Studies and the goals of the conference, applicants must meet the following conditions:

The research must address a social, economic, or political issue related to Syria.
A participation request, along with an abstract of no more than 500 words, outlining the main topic, research question, and methodology, as well as a brief bio including previous research, must be submitted by October 30, 2024.
The scientific committee will review the proposals, and applicants will be notified of the committee’s decision by November 15, 2024.
Full papers must be submitted by April 15, 2025.
The paper must not have been previously published.
Papers will be reviewed by specialists to select conference participants based on competitiveness and merit. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance or rejection by May 30, 2025.

: Participation applications can be submitted via the following form: Link to the registration form https://forms.office.com/r/DnRf046Ks3

Conference Organization: The conference will take place in Istanbul, in-person, over three consecutive days (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) from July 25-27, 2025. Attendees can participate in the discussions either in person or via social media platforms.

The Harmoon Centre will cover accommodation costs during the conference for all participants whose papers are accepted. The conference will also cover travel expenses for those unable to secure funding from their institutions or sponsors. Researchers should inform the Harmoon Centre if they require travel expense coverage, noting that a compensation limit will be determined later.

The conference will be conducted in Arabic and English, with papers accepted in both languages. Simultaneous interpretation services will be provided in both Arabic and English.

For more information, please contact the conference team at ACSR@harmoon.org or call the Harmoon Centre at the following numbers:

Doha: +97433996199
Istanbul: +902125240404
Istanbul: +902128133217