Dear Colleagues
I am honored to invite you to the XIX Balkan Congress of Radiology (BCR) in Cesme, Türkiye. Last year’s BCR was a success, just like its predecessors, and the executive board of the Balkan Society of Radiology and the scientific planning committee of this year’s congress are trying to do their best to reach the same scientific level in 2024.

Just like in the past, also this year, BCR aims to provide an effective and collegial platform for the exchange of knowledge and scientific experience. It also seeks to tighten the bonds between our colleagues from the Balkan Congress by providing a social environment suitable for scientific networking. The topics are selected regarding the needs of experienced radiologists and our colleagues in training. Thus, the congress will be a unique opportunity to review your knowledge in different aspects of radiology and to catch up with the current trends that will shape the future of our profession. Our speakers are experienced scientists with global achievements. We also have an ESOR course on oncologic imaging embedded in our congress. You will benefit from the outstanding ESOR faculty joining us in Cesme.

The Balkans, a unique geographic area in southeastern Europe, is steeped in history, natural beauty, and culture. Bordered by the Adriatic Sea, the Ionian Sea, the Aegean Sea, the Turkish Straits, and the Black Sea, our region is a testament to the richness of our world. We are fortunate to live in a place where myths are not just stories but lived experiences, where civilizations have flourished, declined, and risen again with renewed strength.

Solidarity between Balkan countries is not just a concept, but a crucially important reality. People living on these soils are like each other, sharing a common past and, indeed, an archetypical one. We laugh at the same jokes and dine very similarly, and similar things make us cry. We are sisters and brothers who speak different languages but share the same mindset. I believe that if we can give our cooperation, generally, and our society, specifically, a run, there are many things we can achieve together. Together, we will be stronger. This sense of unity and shared purpose is what makes our conference and our profession so special.

Cesme is a district of Izmir and used to be one of the twelve Ionian colonies in history. Today, it is one of the pupils of the Turkish tourist scene. And please remind yourself that beautiful Cesme will become even more stunning in autumn.

See you in Cesme soon, and let’s discuss the bright future of the BSR together.