NEWS

At Istanbul Nişantaşı University’s NeoTech Campus, the “86th Anniversary Commemoration Program for Atatürk” began with a moment of silence and the singing of the Turkish National Anthem. As part of the program organized in collaboration with the Sarıyer District Directorate of National Education, under the theme “From April 23 to November 10: Atatürk and Our Republic - Meeting with Students from Sarıyer,” students from our Conservatory-Music Department performed songs beloved by Atatürk. Following this, they recited the “Address to Youth,” once again voicing Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s message to young people.

In her speech, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ayşegül Komsuoğlu Çıtıpıtıoğlu, emphasized that Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was a leader who shaped history, realized his dreams, and led a nation toward a brighter future. She spoke of Atatürk’s determination, which extended beyond victories to his pioneering role in building a modern nation-state. Highlighting Atatürk's words, “The truest guide in life is science,” Prof. Dr. Komsuoğlu noted that Atatürk believed scientific thought was essential to a nation’s progress. She stated that after founding the Turkish Republic, Atatürk initiated comprehensive reforms in science, education, and culture, viewing advancement in these fields as a necessity. Addressing young people, Prof. Dr. Çıtıpıtıoğlu reminded them that it is everyone’s duty to carry the Republic of Turkey forward. Concluding her speech, she said, “We honor Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk on the 86th anniversary of his passing with respect, and we pledge to fulfill our responsibilities.”

After the Rector's speech, Mehmet Rıfat Evyap Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School students in attendance received books, sponsored by Penguen Bookstore, presented by Sarıyer District Director of National Education Hüseyin Özcanlar and our Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Yeşim Özer Yürür.

The event concluded with a panel titled “Atatürk and the Republic.” The panel featured our Head of the History Department, Prof. Dr. Göknur Akçadağ, and guest speakers Prof. Dr. Mustafa Budak and Prof. Dr. Ramazan Erhan Güllü. The discussion highlighted the significance of the War of Independence led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The panelists reflected on the inspiring nature of Atatürk’s principles and reforms, sharing key insights into his life and recounting the period of the War of Independence and the establishment of the Republic.