The Department of History at the Teoman Duralı Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, organized a conference entitled “Compulsory Labor (Mükellefiyet)” on October 20, 2026.

The conference, held at the Ali Arslan Conference Hall, addressed the compulsory labor system, which occupies a significant place in the historical and collective memory of Zonguldak.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Dr. Yücel Namal, Head of the Department of History, emphasized that Zonguldak is not only one of Türkiye’s major industrial and mining centers but also a city with a rich historical heritage in terms of labor history. Highlighting the profound social, economic, and demographic effects of the compulsory labor system on the region, Namal underlined the importance of examining such historical issues from an academic perspective and transmitting this knowledge to younger generations.

Namal also drew attention to the significance of local history within broader historical scholarship, stressing that Zonguldak’s mining heritage should be examined not only through economic developments but also through individual experiences, working conditions, and social transformations. He further emphasized the responsibility of universities to investigate, preserve, and transmit the historical and cultural heritage of the cities in which they are located.

Metin Köse, the guest speaker at the conference, discussed the historical background of the compulsory labor system implemented in the Zonguldak coal basin, particularly during the Second World War. His presentation addressed working conditions and the social and economic consequences of the system for the local population. Köse also highlighted the importance of Zonguldak’s mining history in Türkiye’s industrialization process and examined the lasting impact of compulsory labor practices on the region’s collective memory.

The conference contributed to raising historical awareness of Zonguldak’s local history and mining culture, providing an opportunity to explore different dimensions of the region’s past.

The event represented another significant contribution by the Department of History to academic and public engagement with the historical and cultural heritage of Zonguldak.