The International Spine Society Regional Meeting was successfully held in Şanlıurfa on May 2–3, 2026, bringing together more than 80 spine professionals for an intensive exchange of clinical expertise. The meeting, hosted at the Şanlıurfa Training and Research Hospital, focused on the theme "Spinal Traumas: Case-Based Approaches," providing a robust platform for discussing complex injury management.
The scientific program was meticulously organized by a committee including Prof. Dr. Hamza Karabağ, Prof. Dr. Numan Karaarslan, Prof. Dr. Yahya Güvenç, Assoc. Prof. Dr. İsmail Bozkurt, Op. Dr. Abdul Mehmet Kuloğlu, and Op. Dr. Mahmut Demirkol. The curriculum featured six comprehensive sessions covering:
• Upper and Lower Cervical Traumas: Led by moderators such as Prof. Dr. Hamza Karabağ, Prof. Dr. Yahya Güvenç, and Prof. Dr. Murat Geyik, with case discussions on craniocervical junction injuries and spinal cord trauma.
• Thoracolumbar and Sacral Injuries: Expert-led discussions moderated by Prof. Dr. Salim Şentürk, Prof. Dr. Aslan Güzel, and others, addressing everything from gunshot wounds to vertebral augmentation.
• Post-Surgical Complications: A dedicated session focused on the management of esophageal injuries and other critical surgical outcomes.
A highlight of the scientific program was the presentation "Tarihin Sıfır Noktası: Şanlıurfa" (The Zero Point of History) by Buğra Kuru, which bridged the gap between medical science and the region’s profound heritage.
The experience concluded with an enriched social program on May 3rd, where attendees explored the historical landmarks of Şanlıurfa. Participants enjoyed a traditional breakfast followed by visits to the sacred Balıklıgöl and the world-renowned archaeological site of Göbeklitepe. This combination of high-level academic discourse and cultural immersion provided a memorable experience for all specialists involved.
Special appreciation is extended to the local hosts, Prof. Dr. Hamza Karabağ, Op. Dr. Abdul Mehmet Kuloğlu, and Op. Dr. Mahmut Demirkol, whose leadership and hospitality at Harran University and Şanlıurfa Training and Research Hospital were instrumental in the meeting's success.
