Dear participants and colleagues,

It is with great enthusiasm that we present the proceedings of the 12th International Congress on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of Southeast European Countries (CMAPSEEC-2024), held on October 17-19, 2024, in the historic city of Izmir, Türkiye. Organized in cooperation with the Association of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of Southeast European Countries (AMAPSEEC) and hosted by Dokuz Eylül University, this congress has once again brought together leading scientists, researchers, and industry experts. Besides, Gaziantep University and Lokman Hekim University partnered with the organization.

This year's conference offered a dynamic platform for the exchange of knowledge, innovation, and ideas among participants from Serbia, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Croatia, Portugal, Italy, China, Thailand, Moldova, Iran, Northern Cyprus, and Türkiye considering medicinal and aromatic plants in traditional and modern medicine, agriculture, and other fields. We were honored to see representation from both the public and private sectors, indicating the broad and interdisciplinary appeal of this field.

As we face global health, environmental, and sustainability challenges, the research and development of medicinal and aromatic plants become more significant than ever. This congress not only served as a forum for presenting the latest scientific findings but also facilitated collaborations that will inspire future advancements in the sector.

This congress has once again served as a cherished gathering where scientific knowledge flourishes amidst the warmth of friendship and mutual respect. For over the years, CMAPSEEC has been more than just a conference; it has become an annual reunion where colleagues become friends, and friends become family. Each year, as we come together to explore the latest advances in medicinal and aromatic plants, we are reminded of the deep bonds that connect our diverse community.

On behalf of the organizing committee, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants for making CMAPSEEC not only a leading scientific congress but also a gathering that feels like coming home. We are grateful for your dedication, your enthusiasm, and the warmth that you bring to this event.

We look forward to seeing the innovations, friendships, and collaborations that will continue to grow from the seeds planted at CMAPSEEC-2024.

Sincerely,

Prof. Dr. İlkay Erdoğan Orhan Prof. Dr. Nazım Şekeroğlu Prof. Dr. İpek Süntar
Prof. Dr. F. Sezer Şenol Deniz Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sevgi Gezici