General Information
Date & Venue
Date: 5–7 February 2027
Venue: Istanbul Medipol University, Kavacık South Campus
Address: Göztepe Mah. Atatürk Cad. No: 40/16, 34815 Beykoz, Istanbul, Türkiye
Format: Hybrid — onsite in Istanbul and online
The onsite component of ForenSoc ’27 will be hosted at Istanbul Medipol University, Kavacık South Campus. Participants are advised to follow directions to Kavacık South Campus / Kavacık Güney Yerleşkesi.
Official Language
The official language of the conference is English. All scientific sessions, presentations, and conference materials will be conducted and published in English. No simultaneous translation will be provided.
Conference Format
ForenSoc ’27 will be held as a hybrid conference, allowing participation both onsite in Istanbul and online. Participants will be asked to select their preferred participation format during registration. Registration fees are the same for onsite and online participation.
About Istanbul
Istanbul is one of the world's great cities — a metropolis of over 15 million people that straddles two continents, Europe and Asia, separated by the Bosphorus Strait. As the historical capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, Istanbul offers an extraordinary fusion of history, culture, architecture, and cuisine.
The city is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, and the Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), as well as world-class museums, vibrant bazaars, and a thriving contemporary arts and dining scene.
Istanbul is one of the most visited cities in the world and is well served by two international airports, an extensive metro and tram network, and a wide range of accommodation options for every budget.
We warmly encourage all participants to extend their stay and experience the unique character of this remarkable city.
Climate
February is winter season in Istanbul. Based on typical February weather patterns, daytime temperatures are generally around 8–10°C, while evening and early morning temperatures are commonly around 3–5°C. The weather may be cool, cloudy, windy, and rainy during this period.
Participants are advised to check the weather forecast shortly before travelling and to bring appropriate winter clothing, including a coat and, if needed, an umbrella or rainproof outerwear.
Currency & Credit Card Usage
The official currency in Türkiye is the Turkish Lira. Credit and debit cards are commonly used in Istanbul, especially in hotels, restaurants, shops, and transportation-related services. Participants are advised to check exchange rates before travel and to keep some local currency for small expenses.
Getting to Istanbul
Istanbul is served by two major international airports, both with extensive domestic and international connections. The conference venue is in Kavacık, on the Anatolian (Asian) side of the city, near the Kavacık junction by the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge.
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) — closer to the venue
Sabiha Gökçen is on the Anatolian side, approximately 40 km from Kavacık. Allow about 45–60 minutes by road, depending on traffic.
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Taxi / private transfer: The simplest option, and the only one that reaches the venue directly. Official airport taxis are available 24 hours a day outside the terminal. A pre-booked transfer avoids meter surprises.
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Metro: The M4 line runs from the airport to Kadıköy and connects to Istanbul's wider rail network. Note that the M4 does not serve Kavacık — from Kadıköy you will need a bus or taxi for the final leg, roughly 30 minutes.
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Airport shuttle: HAVABÜS coaches operate between Sabiha Gökçen and major points on both the Anatolian and European sides. Current routes and timetables are published at havabus.com.
Istanbul Airport (IST)
Istanbul Airport is on the European side and is the country's largest airport, with the widest range of international connections. It is approximately 55–65 km from the venue and the journey includes a Bosphorus crossing — allow 60–90 minutes by road.
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Taxi / private transfer: Official airport taxis are available 24 hours a day outside the arrivals area. Given the distance, a fixed-price transfer is worth considering.
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Metro: The M11 line connects Istanbul Airport to the city's rail network on the European side. Reaching Kavacık by rail alone involves several transfers and a Bosphorus crossing.
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Airport shuttle: HAVAİST coaches operate between Istanbul Airport and locations across the city, including the Anatolian side. Current routes and timetables are published at hava.ist.
Which airport should I choose?
If your itinerary allows it, Sabiha Gökçen is the more convenient arrival point: it is on the same side of the city as the venue and avoids a Bosphorus crossing. Istanbul Airport offers a broader range of international connections and remains a good option — simply allow additional travel time.
Planning your journey
Istanbul's bus routes and line numbers change periodically. We recommend planning your exact route with a live tool such as Google Maps, Moovit, or the İBB Cep'te Istanbul app on your travel date.
Please follow directions to Kavacık South Campus / Kavacık Güney Yerleşkesi, not the North Campus / Rectorate building.
All conference sessions run on Istanbul time (UTC+3).
Accommodation
Participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodation. The conference does not provide official hotel arrangements or accommodation packages. Participants are advised to consider accommodation options with convenient access to Istanbul Medipol University, Kavacık South Campus.
Visa Information
Türkiye requires an entry visa for citizens of many countries. Requirements vary significantly by nationality.
Participants are strongly advised to check their visa requirements well in advance of the conference at the official portal:
Many nationalities are eligible for an e-Visa, which can be obtained quickly and easily online. Citizens of certain countries may enter visa-free.
The Conference Organizing Committee accepts no responsibility for visa refusals or delays. Participants are solely responsible for ensuring they hold the correct travel documents.
Invitation & Confirmation Letters
An official invitation letter or confirmation of registration letter will be issued on request. This letter is provided solely to assist participants with travel arrangements, institutional approval, or visa applications.
Please note: This letter does not constitute any commitment by the Conference organizers to cover registration fees, travel, accommodation, or any other costs associated with participation.
To request a letter, please contact the Conference Secretariat at contact@balkanacademy.org after completing your registration and payment. Letters will be issued by the Secretariat upon confirmation of registration.
Conference Access & Badge
Access to all conference halls and scientific sessions will be provided exclusively through the official conference badge issued at the Registration Desk upon check-in.
Participants are required to wear their badge visibly at all times throughout the conference, including during social events.
Registration Desk & Information Stand
A registration desk and information stand will be available at the conference venue for onsite participants. Participants may collect their badges and receive practical information regarding the programme, venue, and onsite participation. Exact location and opening hours will be announced closer to the conference dates.
Internet Access
Complimentary Wi-Fi internet access will be available throughout the conference venue. Connection details (network name and password) will be provided in the conference materials distributed at the Registration Desk and displayed at the venue.
Conference Materials
Conference materials, including the programme and digital abstract book, will be provided in digital format. Additional onsite materials, if available, will be announced closer to the conference dates.
Certificate of Attendance
A digital Certificate of Attendance will be issued to all registered participants who attend the conference. Certificates will be sent by email following the conclusion of the conference.
Contact & Secretariat
For all general enquiries, please contact the Conference Secretariat:
📧 contact@balkanacademy.org 📞 +90 533 414 1913 💬 WhatsApp: +90 533 414 1913
The Secretariat is available Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 17:00 (Istanbul time, UTC+3).