Our President Prof. Barış Tan Attended the November 10 Atatürk Memorial Ceremony on Campus

Özyeğin University President Prof. Barış Tan attended the memorial ceremony held on campus on Sunday, November 10, 2024, in commemoration of the 86th anniversary of the passing of Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic.

The ceremony began at 08:45 a.m. with the laying of a wreath in front of the Atatürk Memorial on campus. Following a moment of silence at 9:05 a.m. and the Turkish National Anthem, Prof. Tan delivered a poignant speech and remarked: “It was by no means an easy feat for our Great Leader Atatürk to inherit an empire on the brink of collapse and transform it into a new, democratic nation. He envisioned his political, economic, and social reforms —each a testament to his grand vision that far transcended his time— firmly grounded in science while overcoming immense challenges throughout this journey. From his 57 years, marked by countless achievements that would surpass several lifetimes for most of us, I believe the key lesson we must draw is that advancing this nation, entrusted to us and forged with great hardship, calls for unwavering commitment, relentless effort, and the constant drive to move forward, always creating, building, and producing for the greater good.

As members of Özyeğin University and proud citizens of the Republic who grew up with its merits and privileges, we take pride in cherishing this invaluable legacy of our Great Leader in the light of science since the establishment of our University. Although physically no longer with us, Atatürk will forever remain in our hearts, minds, and spirits. We pledge to follow his path and protect our Republic, and I commemorate him here with great respect, gratitude, and longing.”

The ceremony concluded with reflections on November 10, Atatürk Memorial Day, shared by students from the Faculty of Architecture and Design and the Faculty of Engineering.