World Decolonization Forum to convene scholars, experts in Istanbul on May 11-12
The World Decolonization Forum, organized by the Institute Social, will bring leading academics, journalists, and experts to Istanbul’s Ataturk Cultural Center on May 11-12. Under the theme “Decolonizing Knowledge Production and Circulation,” the event will examine colonial legacies and their role in today’s global crises, aiming for fairer global knowledge systems.
An international forum dedicated to examining the legacy of colonialism and its ongoing impact on contemporary global crises will convene leading scholars, journalists, and experts in Istanbul on May 11-12, organizers announced. The World Decolonization Forum, organized by the Institute Social, will be held at the Ataturk Cultural Center under the theme “Decolonizing Knowledge Production and Circulation.” Participants will address issues including occupation policies, technological transformations, algorithmic and data colonialism, and inequalities in education and culture. The statement noted that experts will examine how colonial legacies continue to shape political, economic, and social systems.
Speakers and partner institutions
Confirmed participants include decolonial theorist Walter Mignolo, international law expert Mireille Fanon, former French national footballer and anti-racism activist Lilian Thuram, China strategy expert Guo Changgang, psychiatrist and author Kemal Sayar, philosopher of physics Enis Doko, Middle East scholar Joseph Massad, historian Halil Berktay, and economist Ann Pettifor. Partner institutions include Al Jazeera Center for Studies, ISAM, Fudan University, University of Leeds, and CLACSO, among others. The first day will conclude with a concert by Tunisian singer-songwriter Emel Mathlouthi.
Long-term roadmap and cultural events
The forum is the first phase of a three-stage initiative running through 2030, including academic publications, online seminars, roundtables, and media outputs. An exhibition titled “The Burden of Humanity: Decolonization Today” will open on May 9 at the AKM Art Gallery, followed by “Decolonize Film Days” at Atlas Cinema on May 13-14, featuring eight free screenings exploring colonial histories. Iranian director Majid Majidi will attend the opening. For Türkiye, hosting this forum reinforces Ankara’s role as a bridge between global intellectual movements and a hub for critical dialogue on post-colonial futures.
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