Dear Colleagues,

We are delighted to invite you to the 11^th Gastrointestinal Surgery Congress, which will take place at Kaya Palazzo Hotel in Antalya from November 21st to 26th, 2023. This congress represents an important opportunity for the surgical community to come together, exchange ideas, share experiences, and learn from one another. As we all know, the field of gastrointestinal surgery is constantly evolving, with new techniques, technologies, and treatments emerging rapidly. The 11^th Gastrointestinal Surgery Congress aims to provide you with an ideal platform to stay informed about the latest developments in this exciting and rapidly changing field, enabling you to stay ahead of the curve.

The congress will bring together an impressive lineup of local and international speakers who will present on a wide range of topics related to gastrointestinal surgery. The program is designed to cater to everyone's interests with a mix of keynote presentations, panel discussions, case studies, workshops, and more. On the first day of the congress, there will be a course on inflammatory bowel diseases, which is highly important for those working in the fields of gastroenterology and gastrointestinal surgery and for anyone interested in the topic. Whether you are an experienced senior surgeon or a newly starting resident, rest assured that you will find something of interest at this congress.

In addition to the educational program, we are proud to announce a rich, enjoyable, and surprise-filled social program. We have taken great care to create a program that is both informative and entertaining, and we are confident that you will have a great time in Antalya.

One of the highlights of this year's congress is the further strengthening of our partnership with the Gastroenterology Department, with whom we have shared a common field for the past 10 years. This collaboration will be enhanced with a focus on case discussions and short debates. This partnership provides a unique opportunity for surgeons to interact, share experiences, and learn from gastroenterologists. The congress will provide a wonderful platform for participants to build lasting professional relationships and make significant contributions to their careers. Gastroenterology and gastrointestinal surgery, as we have always emphasized, are intertwined disciplines that work together like a braid. The entire presentation and activities of our congress are designed to support this harmonious collaboration. We express our thanks to Prof. Dr. Dilek Oğuz, President of the Turkish Gastroenterology Society, Prof. Dr. Serhat Bor, Congress President of the 2023 National Gastroenterology Week, and the entire congress organizing committee for providing us with the opportunity to work together.

This year, being the 100^th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic in our country, holds a special significance, and we are honored to host this congress in such a historic year. The congress provides a great opportunity to celebrate this important milestone and, at the same time, make significant scientific contributions, proving that we continue to work tirelessly and relentlessly in line with the principles of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. In addition, for this year, which is the 100^th year of the Republic of Turkey, the Gastrointestinal Surgery Association has designed a special emblem that will be used exclusively. You will be able to see this emblem throughout the congress.

We are confident that you will find this congress to be an enjoyable and valuable experience, and we look forward to hosting you in Antalya in November. We recommend registering as soon as possible to secure your place at the congress. Whether you are traveling from abroad or within Turkey, we are confident that you will have a great time in Antalya. The 40^th National Gastroenterology Week and the 11^th Gastrointestinal Surgery Congress offer an exceptional opportunity for surgeons and gastroenterologists from around the world to come together

Prof. Dr. Erdal Birol Bostancı
11. Gastroenterology Surgery Congress, President of the Congress