İstanbul University 2020-2021 Academic Year opening ceremony was performed. Because of the global epidemic, a very limited participation was made from online and on our University's ‘YouTube channel’, the programme was broadcasted. Program started with the ceremony of placing a wreath on the bust of Atatürk and the opening of the “Higher Education Diplomas and Documents from the Ottoman Empire to the Republic” exhibition. İstanbul University Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmut Ak gave a comprehensive speech at the opening ceremony in the Rectorate Building Doctorate Hall. Faculty of Communication Vice Dean, Prof. Dr. Ali Murat Vural also attended the ceremony.

Nur Beril Nalbantoğlu, a student at the Faculty of Law, who made the first speech of the program, said that İstanbul University has always been a leading university in Turkey with its long-established history from the past to the present.

After Nalbantoglu's speech, İstanbul University Faculty of Economics Research Assistant Muhammad Erkam Kocakaya said that İU has implemented an innovative and sustainable academic program that brings the competencies of the 21 st century to the future generations.

“We Will Continue to Get Strength from the Presence of Our Students in Classrooms”

After Erkam Kocakaya, Professor Dr. Mahmut Ak delivered his speech. Prof. Dr. Ak said he wished that 2020-2021 academic year would be beneficial to İstanbul University and all of Turkey. Prof. Dr. Ak said: “I hope these hard days will also pass, and we will return to a normal life again.” Prof. Dr. Ak stated that the global epidemic has affected all of humanity, and added that the effects of the epidemic have led to significant changes in educational methods. Prof. Dr. Ak said: “We will lecture our lessons by looking into the eyes of our students, we will welcome our international students from all over the world to our university, we will take strength from our students' presence in classes, and we will feel the happiness of living the university culture on campuses.”

“İstanbul University Does Not Hold Back for a Moment from Producing Universal Knowledge”

Professor Dr. Mahmut Ak continued his statements by evaluating the struggle of the İstanbul Medical School in the coronavirus process. Prof. Dr. Ak expressed his gratitude to all members of the İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, which is the most respected and equipped hospital in Turkey, and to the health heroes for their great dedication.

Prof. Dr. Mahmut Ak continued his statements by conveying the achievements that İstanbul University demonstrated in international rankings. Prof. Dr. Ak pointed out that, İstanbul University despite all the difficulties experienced during the pandemic continued the research, scientific work, and the production of universal knowledge research and studies. He also noted that “These outstanding achievements are achieved as a result of the great efforts of our Faculty members. We are proud of our academic achievements of our esteemed faculty members.” In addition to the scientific achievements of İstanbul University, Prof. Dr. Mahmut Ak stated they are proud of their achievements in the field of sports.

Prof. Dr. Ak Talked About the Achievements of All the Units of Our University

In his speech, Prof. Dr. Ak also mentioned that İstanbul University has been using all its facilities since the outbreak of the global epidemic, has taken the necessary measures to ensure that education and training are not disrupted. He also talked about the successful work carried out within AUZEF in the field of distance education.

Prof. Dr. Ak also drew attention to the achievements of İstanbul University in the areas of strategic planning, quality, and corporate communication. Prof Dr. Ak thanked the following departments: Department of Strategic Planning, and Strategy Development; the Quality Coordinatorship; and the Department of Corporate Communication.

“We Have a Word to Say to the World…”

“İstanbul University is working hard to serve the Turkish nation.” Prof. Dr. Ak concluded his statements as follows: “By looking at the academic assets we have, the international achievements we have achieved, the contributions we have made to the success story of Turkey, we can say that we have a word to say to the world... It is our duty to make our promise to the world stronger from now on. On this occasion, I would like to thank all our members who made great efforts to make our promises to the world stronger and our voices higher. It is a good thing that there is ‘İstanbul University’ that never gives up working for our beautiful country and our noble nation.”

News: Tuğçe Ayçin
Translation: Lect. Yasemin Uğurlu
Photographs: Başar Uzun, Ayşe Akkuş
İU Department of Corporate Communication