FROM “EGO” TO “ECO”: The Animal Issue from a Multidisciplinary Perspective

Dear Researchers,

As human-centered paradigms increasingly give way to more holistic and nature-centered perspectives in the modern world, the issue of animal rights has evolved into a complex, multidimensional topic that demands consideration not only from legal standpoints but also through psychological, biocultural, sociological, and ethical lenses.

In light of this reality, the Faculty of Law at Özyeğin University is pleased to announce the symposium “FROM EGO TO ECO: The Animal Issue from a Multidisciplinary Perspective”, to be held on May 15–16, 2025. This event aims to explore the “animal issue” through the insights of various disciplines, while examining current legislation and practices in Türkiye.

The symposium welcomes contributions not only from legal scholars but also from social scientists, ecologists, psychologists, veterinarians, communication specialists, and representatives of NGOs. Through these multidisciplinary discussions, the symposium seeks to lay the groundwork for the preparation of a concrete and actionable draft law that could address current legislative gaps.

Organized in partnership with Çekmeköy Municipality and MODOKO, the symposium will feature academic panels as well as hands-on workshops following each session. We would be honored to welcome esteemed researchers, academicians, and all interested stakeholders to join us in this important dialogue.

Symposium Topics (Samples):

• Legal Foundations of Animal Rights and Assessment of Current Legislation
• Social Psychology and Perceptions of Animals
• Species Equality in the Context of Biocultural Diversity
• Media Representations of Animals
• The Legal Status of Animals

Important Dates:

• Deadline for Abstract Submission: April 30, 2025
• Announcement of Accepted Papers: May 5, 2025
• Announcement of Symposium Program: May 7, 2025

Abstract Submission Guidelines:

• Abstracts should be submitted via email to egodanekoyasempozyum@ozyegin.edu.tr by April 30, 2025.
• Abstracts should be between 500–1000 words and include 5 to 7 keywords. Both the abstract and keywords must be submitted in Turkish and English.
• Author names should be listed with academic titles, along with ORCID numbers and contact details.
• A brief academic biography should also accompany the submission.

Presentations and Workshops:

• Paper presentations will be allocated 15 minutes, followed by a 5-minute Q&A session.
• The symposium will provide opportunities for direct dialogue with representatives from civil society and the public sector throughout the event.
• Certificates of attendance will be delivered electronically. No physical copies will be provided.

Organizing Committee:

Prof. Özlem YENERER ÇAKMUT
Associate Prof. Sevgi USTA
Assistant Prof. Elif ALTINOK ÇALIŞKAN
Assistant Prof. Aras TÜRAY Res.
Asst. Eymir ALBAL
Res. Asst. Anıl AKYILDIZ

Contact:
egodanekoyasempozyum@ozyegin.edu.tr