IV. Kırımlı Dr. Aziz Bey
IHL Competition & Advanced Summer School
8-13 September 2024
Heybeliada, İstanbul, Türkiye

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Kırımlı Dr. Aziz Bey

Kırımlı (Crimean) Aziz Bey was a famous medical doctor who was born in 1840 in Istanbul. Although he died at a very early age, he played a significant role in the history of Turkish medicine as well as the development of humanitarian action in the Ottoman Empire.Dr. Aziz Bey, along with his colleague Abdullah Bey, worked in the promotion of humanitarian ideas such as the moral duty of every doctor to protect human health and to treat wounded soldiers. Aziz Bey played a leading role in establishing the Association to Help and Rescue the Sick and Wounded Soldiers, the predecessor of the "Hilal-i Ahmer Cemiyeti" (The Red Crescent Society; the Turkish Red Crescent today).

Later on, Aziz Bey took the lead in the formation of the Hilal-i Ahmer Cemiyeti in the Ottoman Empire, the first national red crescent society, by drawing the red crescent emblem and enabling the change from the red cross emblem to the red crescent emblem. He continued to participate in the activities of Hilal-i Ahmer Cemiyeti both as a president and as a delegate until he died in 1878.Aziz Bey is also renowned as the founder of the first modern medical school taught in Turkish and as the author of the first medical book written in Turkish along with being the translator of the first medical dictionary in the Ottoman Empire.Kırımlı Dr. Aziz Bey is still remembered as one of the leading persons who initiated humanitarian principles and activities in Turkey.

ABOUT

The Kırımlı Dr. Aziz Bey IHL Competition & Advanced IHL Summer School (The Aziz Bey) is an educational program that is organized by Istanbul Center for International Law (ICIL) and Türk Kızılay (Turkish Red Crescent) with the support of the ICRC. It aims to promote international humanitarian law (IHL) among advanced undergraduate and master's students and assist them in broadening their knowledge of IHL as well as improving their ability to apply the law in practice.
The Aziz Bey consists of the Advanced Summer School and the IHL Competition.
The Advanced Summer School is a preparatory step for the IHL Competition and predates the Competition. The Advanced Summer School covers the main themes of the IHL Competition and allows participants to get more familiar with the relevant legal issues before the commencement of the Competition.
The IHL Competition is based on role-playing exercises and built on a fictional case study that consists of an introductory part, which is being shared at the beginning of the Competition, and additional sections, to be shared before the subsequent rounds. The participants receive directives regarding their roles and tasks for each round. The evaluation of the participants mainly depends on their legal knowledge and their ability to role-play.
The IHL Competition differs from regular moot courts, as the role-playings are not limited to court settings but also include other alternative legal settings that require the application of IHL, be it an internal discussion of a government, or a fact-finding inquiry.
The first and second editions of the Aziz Bey were organized entirely online due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The program holds a unique position as the first entirely online IHL competition.
Starting from the third edition, the Aziz Bey takes place in person in Heybeliada, İstanbul, Türkiye.

PREVIOUS EDITIONS

Third Edition - 2023

Advanced Summer School
Date:
4-6 September 2023Lectures (in chronological order):
- Classification of Conflicts by Gökhan Güneysu
- Protection of the Prisoners of War by Raphaël Gonçalves Alves
- Role of National Societies in Armed Conflicts by Kaan Saner
- Interplay between IHL and Human Rights by Jure Vidmar
- Protection of Animals by Saba Pipia
- Autonomous Technologies & AI Technologies under IHL by Daniele Amoroso & Mustafa Can Sati
- Cyber Attacks in IHL by Eitan Diamond
- Prohibition of Terrorism in IHL _ by Onur Dur_
- Protection of Medical Personnel by Raphaël Gonçalves Alves
- Protection of Environment in Armed Conflicts by Nilüfer Oral (delivered on 9 September as the Closing Lecture)IHL Competition
Date:
7-9 September 2023The application for the third edition was made individually, and the teams for the IHL Competition were set up via a draw among the participants of the Advanced Summer School.Jury Members (in alphabetical order):
Beyza Arslan, Eitan Diamond, Gökhan Güneysu, Khalil Dewan, Mustafa Can Sati, Raphaël Goncalves Alves, Riccardo Pavoni, Saba Pipia, Şeyda Kahraman.

Second Edition - 2021

Advanced Summer School
Date:
30 July – 3 August 2021Lectures (in chronological order):
- Classification of Conflict by René Värk
- (Geographical) Scope of Application by Katja Schöberl
- Protection of Cultural Property by Riccardo Pavoni
- Protection of Environment by Anne Dienelt
- Humanitarian Access in Armed Conflict by Elżbieta Teresa Mikos-Skuza
- Aerial Warfare by Mateusz Piątkowski
- Child Soldiers by Noëlle Quénivet
- Weapons Law by Daniele Amoroso
- IHL Implications of Arms Trade Treaty by Valentine Azarova
- State Support to Belligerents in Armed Conflict by Nele Verlinden
- Hybrid Warfare by Aurel Sari
- Interplay Between Human Rights Law and IHL by Marco SassòliIHL Competition
Date:
4-8 August 2021.Participating Teams (in alphabetical order):
Iranian Red Crescent (Iran), Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (Georgia), Kazan Federal University (Russia), MEF University (Türkiye), Utsunomiya University (Japan).Jury Members (in alphabetical order):
Anne Dienelt, Aurel Sari, Daniele Amoroso, Elżbieta Teresa Mikos-Skuza, Gökhan Albayrak, Gökhan Güneysu, Julie Tenenbaum, Marco Sassòli, Mateusz Piątkowski, Nebile Pelin Mantı, Neda Dojcinovic, Nele Verlinden, Noel Trew, Noëlle Quénivet, René Värk, Riccardo Pavoni, Saba Pipia, Şeyda Kahraman, Valentina Azarova.

Prizes
Finalists:
Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University Team (Georgia), Utsunomiya University Team (Japan).Winner:
Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University Team (Georgia).Dr. Abdullah Bey Prize for the Best Speaker of the Competition Winners:
Suliko Zhghenti (Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Georgia).Ömer Lütfi Pasha Prize for the Most Progressed Team of the Competition:
MEF University (Türkiye).The Fatma Aliye Hanım Prize for the Best Performing Participant of the Summer School:
Mohsen Ebrahimi (Iranian Red Crescent, Iran).The Safiye Elbi Prize for the Most Progressed Participant of the Competition:
Vladislav Koval (Kazan Federal University, Russia).

First Edition - 2020

The first edition of the Aziz Bey was held online and holds a unique position as the first entirely online IHL competition in the world.Advanced Summer School
Date
29 July - 28 August 2020List of the Lecturers (in alphabetical order):
- Emerging Weapon Technologies under IHL: The Case of Autonomous Weapons by Maya Brehm
- Classification of Conflict by Sergey Sayapin
- Naval Warfare by Bruno Demeyere
- Protecting Healthcare by Alexander Breitegger
- Law of Occupation by Valentina Azarova
- IHL and Terrorism by Sadi Çaycı
- Direct Participation in
Hostilities by Lokman Çetinkaya
- Detention in NIAC by Alessandra SpadaroIHL Competition
Date:
7 – 11 September 2020Participating Teams (in alphabetical order):
Belarusian State University (Belarus), Birzeit University (Palestine), Galatasaray University (Türkiye), Kathmandu School of Law (Nepal), Lloyd Law College (India), National University of Malaysia (Malaysia), Plovdiv University (Bulgaria), University of Amsterdam (The Netherlands).Jury Members (in alphabetical order):
Agnieszka Jachec-Neale, Anna Petrig, Anne Quintin, Àquila Mazzinghy, Etienne Kuster, Gökhan Güneysu, Julie Tenenbaum, Nele Verlinden, Ömer Keskin, Rebecca Sutton, Sadi Çaycı, Şeyda Kahraman, Valentina Azarova.

Prizes
Finalists:
Belarusian State University (Belarus), University of Amsterdam (Netherlands).Winner:
Belarusian State University (Belarus).Dr. Abdullah Bey Prize for the Best Speaker of the Competition Winners:
Todor Rogoshev (Plovdiv University, Bulgaria) & Nurbanu Hayır (Galatasaray University, Türkiye).Ömer Lütfi Pasha Prize for the Most Progressed Team of the Competition:
National University of Malaysia (Malaysia).

Fourth Edition - 2024

The Istanbul Center for International Law (ICIL) and the Turkish Red Crescent (Türk Kızılay), with the support of the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), will organize the 4th edition of the Kırımlı Dr. Aziz Bey IHL Competition in person in Heybeliada, Istanbul, Türkiye between 8-13 September 2024.
The program consists of an Advanced IHL Summer School and an IHL Competition.
Important Dates:
- Deadline for the Early-Bird Applications: 30 June 2024
- Deadline for the Applications: 31 July 2024
- Advanced IHL Summer School: 8 – 11 September 2024
- IHL Competition: 12 – 13 September 2024
Early-bird applications will be evaluated in three weeks.
Who Can Apply?
The IHL Competition accepts applications from undergraduate or graduate-level law students. Students from other relevant areas may apply only if they prove their interest and background in IHL.
Participants must be enrolled as students at the time of application.
Applications must be submitted individually, and no team applications will be accepted.
Participants of the Kırımlı Aziz Bey IHL Competition are required to attend the Advanced IHL Summer School. They will be assigned to a team for the IHL Competition by the Organizing Committee at the end of the Advanced Summer School.
Application Evaluation Criteria:
- 60%: The overall quality of the CV and background in IHL
- 40%: Assessment of the motivation letter of the participant
How to Apply?
Applicants should send their CVs, an official document proving they are currently enrolled as students, a motivation letter (circa 500 words) explaining why they are interested in participating in this program, and their application form as one PDF file to azizbeyihl@icil.org.tr before the deadlines. All the documents must be in English or supplemented with English translation. You can access the application form here.
About the IHL Competition & the Advanced IHL Summer School
Each Kırımlı Dr. Aziz Bey IHL Competition & Advanced Summer School edition concentrates on a specific theme, which the lectures and the competition scenario center around accordingly. This year’s theme is the law of occupation.
The Advanced IHL Summer School is designed as a preparation for the IHL Competition and will only be open to the participants of the IHL Competition.
The IHL Competition is based on role-playing to evaluate participants’ knowledge of IHL and other related fields of public international law and their ability to apply the law in practice.
Participating teams in the IHL Competition will be formed by the Organizing Committee through a lottery system at the end of the Advanced IHL Summer School. All teams will compete in the three preliminary rounds.
Each participant will receive an individual score during the preliminary rounds. The two finalist teams will comprise the six highest-scoring participants in the preliminary rounds.
The IHL Competition and Advanced IHL Summer School venue will be the Heybeliada Youth Camp run by the Türk Kızılay, located on one of the Prince’s Islands off the coast of Istanbul.
Certificates & Prizes
Students who participate in the Advanced IHL Summer School and take part in the IHL Competition will be awarded two separate certificates of attendance. Participants who reach the final round will receive additional certificates for their outstanding performances. The Organizing Committee will also grant the following prizes based on the individual performances:
- Fatma Aliye Hanım Prize for the best-performing participant of the Summer School,
- Safiye Elbi Prize for the most progressed participant in the Competition,
- Dr. Abdullah Bey Prize for the best speaker in the Competition.
Registration Fee for the Advanced IHL Summer School & IHL Competition
The registration fee is €200.
The early-bird registration fee is €150.
For students studying at a Turkish university, the registration fee is ₺1000.
The registration fee must be paid only if the application is accepted.
Organizers will provide accommodation at the Youth Camp (the venue) in shared rooms, and meals during the Summer School and Competition.
The participants themselves must bear other expenses. Participants are responsible for arranging their travels to Istanbul and the venue. The Organizing Committee may provide an invitation letter for visa purposes if requested.

• Call for Application
• Application Form
• Internal Regulations

Faculty of the Advanced Summer School

In alphabetical order

Schedule

The schedule may be subject to change.

My Experience at the IV. Kırımlı Dr. Aziz Bey IHL Competition & Advanced Summer School

by Hendrik Mathis Drößler

Welcome to my recap of the 4th edition of the Kırımlı Dr. Aziz Bey International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Summer School and Competition—what a fantastic week! Picture this: a beautiful campsite on the island of Heybeliada, right by the sparkling Sea of Marmara and just a stone's throw from Istanbul. The views were stunning, but the real magic came from the amazing people I met. From lively debates that felt like friendly sparring matches to late-night brainstorming sessions fueled by endless cups of Turkish chai tea, this week was all about learning, challenges, and making connections that I hope will last well beyond the summer!

Camp Entrance on the day of Arrival, Sunday the 8th of September

The Week Kicked Off with Engaging Lectures
The first few days were jam-packed with engaging lectures that covered everything you’d want to know about the law of occupation. We tackled themes like accountability for violations, the use of force, human rights protections, and the vital role of medical personnel in conflict zones. We didn’t stop there—we also dove into detention practices, peacekeeping operations, and how targeting and security measures are handled during occupations. These sessions built a rock-solid foundation for understanding how IHL plays out in the real world, setting us up perfectly for the hands-on exercises to come.
And the best part? The lecturers were incredibly approachable! Whether you had a burning question, wanted to play devil’s advocate, or just needed a deeper dive into something, there was always space for respectful, engaging discussions. You could feel their passion for IHL in every session. Plus, word on the street is that all these lectures will be published in an edited volume by the organizers—so even if you missed out, you’ll be able to nerd out on the details soon!

Dr. Onur Dur during his lecture

With participants and lectures from all around the world, the camp was a global melting pot of IHL enthusiasts. It felt like a safe haven where students and experts alike could geek out over humanitarian law in the best way possible. Whether you were a seasoned pro or just starting your journey, it was the perfect space to connect, share, and learn together.
A Perfect Mix of Learning and Fun
The camp, run by the Turkish Red Crescent, struck a great balance between a relaxed summer camp vibe and a focused IHL learning environment. Shared rooms with 1-2 fellow participants gave us a chance to connect, while the facilities kept us active: volleyball and basketball courts, a jungle gym, and a big electric swing with stunning ocean views. The sea was just a 2-minute walk away. After a full day of IHL sessions, it was the perfect place to unwind.
It wasn’t all serious study either. We were spoiled with an endless supply of chai and delicious Turkish meals at every breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with sweet treats like Turkish delight sprinkled in. Evenings were filled with activities—intense volleyball matches, dips in the sea, or just relaxing and enjoying the island’s beauty.

The amazing staff from the Red Crescent made sure we had a good time on the Camp (left to right (Emre Unsal (voluntary sports instructor) - Hendrik (author) Ozgur Capar (employee of the Red Crescent)

On Monday, we took a break to explore the neighboring island of Büyükada. Climbing to the top of a hill to visit an old Christian monastery and take in the breathtaking views of Istanbul was definitely a highlight. Later in the week, a few of us ventured into Heybeliada in search of the best baklava. Thanks to the help of some Red Crescent staff, we found a fantastic bakery, and the baklava didn’t disappoint!

Selfie from the Trip with the Red Crescent to get some Baklava (left to right: Samir, Mia, George, Axel)

The IHL Competition – A True Highlight
The second half of the week was dedicated to the much-anticipated role-play IHL competition. Teams of three to four were randomly formed, and I had the luck of being placed with Dhruva from India and Oscar from Australia. Our dynamic clicked right away, and we improved with every challenge. Feedback sessions from the tutors were invaluable, and we quickly found our rhythm.
The first scenario cast us as legal advisors for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), arriving in a conflict zone to assess the situation and qualify the conflict under IHL. It was an intense session as we had to explain the evolution of the conflict and identify potential human rights and IHL violations.
In the second round, we found ourselves playing the role of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) at a meeting of the Human Rights Council. Our job? Tackle the heavy topic of attacks on ambulances and hospitals. Taking on MSF’s voice—an organization famous for speaking up—was no small feat. We had to walk a tightrope between their commitment to neutrality and their fierce stance on condemning IHL violations. Things got heated fast. Before we knew it, MSF was calling out the illegal annexation of territories, and the debate felt like it was one step away from turning into a courtroom drama! Thankfully, our friends from the World Health Organization (WHO) were in the room, backing us up like a trusty sidekick. Talk about teamwork!
The final round? Easily the most intense of them all. Picture this: we were sent to meet some "locals" down at the beach (shoutout to the actors), but halfway there, local soldiers swoop in and detain us. Next thing we know, we're hauled off to a military facility, facing charges of espionage—talk about a plot twist! With just five minutes to prep, we scrambled to build a defense, citing every relevant rule we could remember. It was like being in a real-life legal thriller, and honestly, it made us feel the pressure that humanitarian workers face in conflict zones. The negotiations were brutal, but somehow, we managed to get the charges dropped. Close call!

Picture of the soldiers who detained us during the role-play

The entire group found this exercise incredibly fun and immersive. It was a high-stakes, adrenaline-filled conclusion to the competition portion of the event.
A Memorable Closing
The closing ceremony was just as exciting as the rest of the week. The organizers put on a fantastic fire show, followed by the unveiling of a competition-themed cake! The atmosphere was filled with laughter and camaraderie as we all reflected on the week’s activities.

Mustafa Can Sati, along with some other members of the Organizing team and lecturers, cut the Cake on the final evening!

Then came the announcement of the finalists. In a twist, instead of the usual six finalists, there were eight this year! It was an honor to see many new found friends make it to the finals! The final exercise was a mock tribunal, with both teams representing opposing states in a conflict. The scenario involved resolving violations of IHL and the law of occupation through a claims commission. After a night of intense preparation, both teams presented strong arguments in front of a panel of judges consisting of the event’s lecturers.

Late night session preparing for the final on the next morning (left to right: Paula, Oscar, Sashwat)

Before the final verdict dropped, we were treated to a brilliant closing lecture from Sir Michael Wood KC. He not only shared his expert take on customary law but also drew from his hands-on experience with the UK Foreign Service. He put occupation into a rich historical context that made the complexities of discovering customs in occupied territories come alive. Talk about a masterclass!
And the Winners Are…
Awards were handed out to celebrate standout achievements! Mia from North Macedonia snagged the title of Most Improved Participant, while Oscar from Australia was honored as the Most Inclusive Person, always keeping the vibes positive. Paula from Germany walked away with the Best Oralist award during the preliminary rounds.
Then came the moment we’d all been waiting for—the results of the final moot! In a nail-biting finish, the team of Jose Manuel (Spain/Switzerland), Axel (Romania), Rebecca (Italy), and Dhruva (India) took a close second. But it was Oscar (Australia), Paula (Germany), Sashwat (India), and Hendrik (Germany/Netherlands) who clinched the victory! What a showdown!

The announcement of the Winners, left to right: Sir Michael Wood KC, Paula, Sashwat, Hendrik, Oscar.

A Week to Remember
The 4th Aziz Bey IHL Competition was more than just a learning opportunity—it was a vibrant chance to connect with passionate people from around the globe. With engaging lectures and thrilling competitions set against the stunning backdrop of Heybeliada, this is an experience I’ll never forget.
If you’re passionate about IHL, I can’t recommend this program enough! The 5th edition next year is sure to be just as incredible, and trust me—you won’t want to miss it!

Kırımlı Dr. Aziz Bey Collected Courses on International Humanitarian Law

Starting from the second edition of the Kırımlı Dr. Aziz Bey, ICIL and Türk Kızılay publish volumes of "Kırımlı Dr. Aziz Bey Collected Courses on International Humanitarian Law", which consists of lectures delivered at the advanced summer school each year.
The first volume of the collected courses was published in August 2023, and the second volume is planned to be published in August 2024.
The volumes of the collected series will be open-access and translated into Turkish.

- Volume I -

Table of Contents

Chapter Title	Author
Child Soldiers	Noëlle Quénivet
International Legal Protection of Cultural Heritage in Armed Conflict	Riccardo Pavoni
Humanitarian Access in Armed Conflict from the Legal Perspective	Elżbieta Mikos-Skuza
Protection of the Environment by International Humanitarian Law	Anne Dienelt & Franziska Bachmann
International Weapons Law	Daniele Amoroso
Aerial Warfare	Mateusz Piątkowski
Hybrid Warfare and the Law of Armed Conflict: Much Ado about Nothing?	Aurel Sari

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