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A Commemoration Program Honoring Mustafa Kemal ATATÜRK, Founder of Our Republic, Was Held

On November 10, 2025, our University held a meaningful “Commemorating Atatürk” program, beginning at 09:05 with a Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Atatürk and Youth Monument. The ceremony was attended by Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Bünyamin ER and Prof. Dr. Ömer Faruk URSAVAŞ, Acting Secretary General Prof. Dr. Cemil RAKICI, academic and administrative staff, and students. Following the wreath-laying, a moment of silence was observed and the Turkish National Anthem was performed.

As part of the 87th anniversary of the passing of Gazi Mustafa Kemal ATATÜRK, the commemoration continued at 14:30 at the Prof. Dr. Osman Turan Culture and Congress Center.

The program opened with a moment of silence and the National Anthem, followed by the attendance of Trabzon Governor Aziz YILDIRIM, Garrison Commander Brigadier General Mehmet Zeki EREN, Acting Mayor of Trabzon Ahmet Yüksel GÜLAY, Rector Prof. Dr. Hamdullah ÇUVALCI, Police Chief Ali LOĞOĞLU, Gendarmerie Commander Brigadier General B. Murat YAKIN, Coast Guard Eastern Black Sea Group Commander SG Major Aytaç BAYIRLI, POMEM Director İsmail AKINTÜRK, Yomra District Governor Oğuzhan OCAK, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Ali TEMİZ and Prof. Dr. Bünyamin ER, Acting Secretary General Prof. Dr. Cemil RAKICI, representatives from public institutions, academic and administrative staff, and students.

The program began with a video presentation titled “Atatürk in Our Students’ Words”, prepared by the KTU Corporate Communication Office.

“I Honor All Our Ancestors Who Helped Us Reach This Day”

In his speech, Rector Prof. Dr. Hamdullah ÇUVALCI expressed, “I commemorate Gazi Mustafa Kemal ATATÜRK and all our heroic martyrs and veterans who passed away for the unity and integrity of our nation with mercy and gratitude. I extend my respect to all our ancestors who fought to make this land our homeland, securing the freedoms we enjoy today. I wish for our unity, togetherness, and brotherhood to endure, leaving a future as a treasure for our children. On the 87th anniversary of his passing, I once again honor Gazi Mustafa Kemal ATATÜRK with respect and reverence and pray for all our martyrs and heroic veterans.”

Following the Rector’s speech, Prof. Dr. Hikmet ÖKSÜZ from the Department of History, Faculty of Letters, delivered a conference titled “Atatürk and National Unity,” discussing ATATÜRK’s vision for national unity, modern statehood, and leadership in the struggle for independence.

The commemoration concluded with a music recital titled “Atatürk’s Favorite Songs,” performed by Lecturer Eylem DERÇİN, Lecturer Murat Burçin DERÇİN, Lecturer Engin Ahmet MUHSİR, and Mustafa Caner YÜCESAN. Certificates of appreciation were presented to the staff who contributed to the program by Trabzon Governor Aziz YILDIRIM, Rector Prof. Dr. Hamdullah ÇUVALCI, and other distinguished guests. A commemorative photo was taken, and the guests toured the “Understanding Atatürk: Through His Words, Writings, and Traces” photography exhibition, curated by Lecturer Şuayıp ŞEYİHOĞLU from the University’s Faculty of Fine Arts, before the program concluded.


11 November 2025