Congress Topics

Exploring the Multidimensional Tapestry of Space: An Academic Convergence

The concept of space, transcending mere physicality, has long been a subject of interest and importance for various disciplines. At the 5th International Humanities Congress, we aim to delve into this complexity by examining how human settlements and spaces have interacted throughout history. For instance, in archaeology, the study of space is a vital tool for understanding the lifestyles and social structures of past societies. The spatial analysis of archaeological findings, settlement planning, cultural landscapes, and the role of historical spaces in the modern world will be thoroughly addressed at this congress. Participants will be able to present their papers on topics such as Space and Settlement, Spatial Analysis, Ritual and Symbolic Spaces, Space Usage and Social Dynamics, and Space and Environment.

The relationship between English Literature and space is rich and multifaceted. While space represents the objective dimensions of the world, place encompasses the subjective meanings we attribute to specific locations. The spatial turn that emerged in the late 20th century is an interdisciplinary movement that emphasizes the importance of space in understanding social, cultural, and economic phenomena. In literary studies, this shift has enabled the exploration of how narratives represent spaces and how these spaces affect characters and plot development. Pioneered by theorists such as Michel Foucault, Henri Lefebvre, Edward Soja, and Robert T. Tally, the “spatial turn” shifts the focus of analysis from the temporal to the spatial. By examining how space influences and is influenced by human behaviors and social structures, literary researchers gain a deeper understanding of the interaction between geography and narrative; they reveal how literature shapes spatial perceptions. Researchers can discover how literary works interact with space and place, uncovering how power is exercised, identities are formed, and communities are sustained.

Space, analyzed solely by geography, architecture, and urban planning until the 1960s, has since become a subject of interest for sociology, psychology, and philosophy. Analyzing space sociologically enables the convergence of different disciplines. Sociologically, space can be defined as a place where social relations, production relations, and ideology are reproduced. Humans and space should not be considered separately. Therefore, it is not possible to overlook space in studies focused on humans. Space is not just a geographic area we inhabit; it is a realm where people interact directly or indirectly. Space has a social dimension that shapes and is shaped by humans. Analyzing space also means analyzing social and political life. Space corresponds to a reality where sociability, the political, and cultural images reside. Humans and society exist and transform in space. Because humans produce space and are produced by it, space also exists as an element of identity.

The relationship between psychology and space is addressed in psychology, particularly within environmental psychology. Environmental psychology, which examines the relationship between individuals and their environment, studies the interactions between individuals’ physical environments and their mental, emotional, and behavioral states. Spaces, as one of the elements facilitating these interactions, are directly related to individuals’ psychological processes. The relationship between space and the individual encompasses various aspects such as environmental perception, personal space, public space, spatial order, place identity, and place attachment. On the other hand, space studies in psychology examine people’s interactions with their physical environments and the effects of these interactions on psychological health, behavior, and life satisfaction. Thus, space studies aim to better understand and improve relationships with physical environments. Space is not only a subject of numerous studies in psychology but also a field of application. These application areas include public space usage, architecture, interior design, urban planning, work environments, and educational spaces. In this regard, space psychology provides important insights into how spaces can be organized for better quality of life and psychological health.

Space, a concept also addressed by philosophy, has been evaluated from different perspectives by many thinkers throughout history. From Ancient Greece to the modern era, various debates on the meaning, experience, and ontology of space have taken philosophy to a different dimension. Today, space is re-evaluated and interpreted at the intersection of philosophy with social sciences, architecture, art, and technology. Our congress, aiming to address the relationship between philosophy and space in various dimensions and develop new perspectives, welcomes participation on topics such as the ontology and epistemology of space, the relationship between space and time, space and identity, urban philosophy, architecture and philosophy, art, space and aesthetics, digital spaces and virtual reality, and nature and space.

History shows that spaces are not merely coordinates on a map but are deeply intertwined with narratives that define our past. From strategic passes that influenced ancient wars to cities that rose and fell with empires, spaces are the stages where the dramas of history have unfolded. Spaces preserve the legacies of civilizations; their remnants and ruins offer a tangible connection to the technological skills, social hierarchies, and economic conditions of past periods. Monuments and memorials solidify cultural memory, transforming spaces into symbols of collective identity and remembrance. The significance of historical areas extends beyond their physical features to encompass the essence of pivotal moments that define societies. As seen in fertile valleys that nourished early societies or isolated islands that encouraged unique cultural evolutions, the natural features of a landscape can predetermine the development of civilizations. A sense of belonging to a place is an integral part of the formation of individual and group identities; it influences independence movements and shapes the narratives of nations. As a methodological approach, spatial history uses modern tools to analyze the spatial aspects of historical facts, enriching our understanding of the interconnectedness of people, places, and events. In summary, history is inextricably linked to the spatial contexts that have hosted it.

In Turkish literature, “space” is a noteworthy subject for exploring the places where works are set and the impact of these places on stories, characters, and themes. Space analyses in literary studies examine how space is used, the meanings attributed to it, and its role within the literary narrative. Space studies conducted within various theoretical frameworks such as Spatial Criticism, Social Space Theory, and Phenomenological Approach clarify the structure, function, and perception of space at both individual and societal levels in literary works. These studies emphasize the importance of space from both literary and socio-cultural perspectives. Through thematic space analyses, Turkish literature research gains a global dimension.

We invite academics, researchers, and enthusiasts from various disciplines to join this academic endeavor. Together, we will explore the spatial dimensions of our fields, uncover new insights, and encourage interdisciplinary dialogues. Your participation will contribute to a better understanding of how space affects our disciplines and provide a platform for sharing innovative research and advancing our collective knowledge.