The Bilimer Turkish Studies Initiative, with its home in the Department of Middle Eastern and South Asian Languages and Cultures at the University of Virginia, is excited to announce a Summer Research Small Grant Program.
Grants are designed for PhD, MA, and advanced undergraduate students who have ongoing programs of research or study involving Turkey, in fields such as: history, literature, art, archaeology, architecture, anthropology, or other relevant discipline.
The Bilimer Turkish Studies Initiative aims to support scholarship, foster interdisciplinary engagement, and provide advanced students with resources and mentorship to advance their studies. Summer grant recipients will have opportunities to make connections with other like-minded students, participate in special events, and contribute to the growing community of Turkish Studies at the University of Virginia.
Application Process
We welcome applications from students who demonstrate strong academic potential and a clear focus on their research or study area. For Summer 2026 the program will make four awards of up to $1,000 each. To apply, submit a two-page statement of purpose that outlines your primary research interests and explains how the Turkish Initiative Research Grant will support and advance this work. Please include an itemized budget (grants can be put toward the purchase of books, subscriptions, membership fees, language courses, travel, and other research needs). The statement should also describe how you envision sharing your research with the community, whether through seminar talks, conferences, publications, or other academic or creative avenues. The deadline for applications is 1 May by midnight. Applications should be emailed to Daniel Lefkowitz (dl2h@virginia.edu) and Parwana Fayyaz (csf7pd@virginia.edu).