The Balkan Studies Congress is an international platform that fosters inter-disciplinary approaches in the social sciences and contributes to high-qual-ity academic production. By strengthening knowledge exchange between Turkey and the Balkans, the congress provides young academics with new perspectives and encourages the development of a common academic language and methodology. This book comprises carefully reviewed papers presented at the First Balkan Studies Congress, held in Skopje on September 17-19, 2021. With contributions from academics from nine different countries and eleven distinct fields, this volume reflects the depth and diversity of scholarly work on the region. We extend our sincere gratitude to all academics, organizing institutions, and especially to the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), International Balkan University, the Ilmi Etüdler Association, and the International Federation of Students (UDEF) for their invaluable support in making this publication possible. We hope that this book serves as an inspiring resource for researchers in-terested in Balkan studies and contributes to the advancement of academic dialogue in the region.