Rector of Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN), Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, released a commemoration message on the 19th anniversary of the passing of Bülent Ecevit, one of the Prime Ministers of the Republic of Türkiye.

Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer expressed the following in his message:

“Late Bülent Ecevit, one of the distinguished intellectuals raised by our country, left deep marks on Turkish political history with his identity as a poet, writer, historian, and thinker. He was a statesman who made significant contributions to the strengthening of our democracy. Referred to in Turkish politics by the symbols of the ‘white dove’ and the ‘blue shirt,’ and whose name was given to our university in 2012, the late Bülent Ecevit was not only a politician but also an intellectual who earned a special place in the hearts of our noble nation with his thoughts, ideals, and principles.

With his emphasis on democracy, the late Ecevit was always the voice of labor, hard work, and the working class. As a proud son of Zonguldak—the capital of energy and industry, and a city imbued with a rich historical and cultural heritage—his life story, which began in the land of labor and sweat and extended to the office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Türkiye, made him known as ‘Karaoğlan’ in the hearts of the people. Following the Cyprus Peace Operation, Bülent Ecevit became remembered by the noble Turkish nation as the ‘Conqueror of Cyprus,’ and is always commemorated with respect for his belief in national independence and his commitment to the values of the Republic.

With inspiration drawn from the century-long legacy of our Republic and our deep-rooted past, we continue to work with determination to strengthen our future through the high-quality academic efforts we carry out today. As we move step by step toward the 102nd anniversary of our founding, we, as the Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University family, continue to achieve significant accomplishments in national and international academic platforms, guided by science and visionary studies worthy of the values represented by the enlightened personality of our nation. With nearly 110,000 graduates, we proudly and confidently carry the flag of this distinguished institution of learning into the future in every field.

With these sentiments and thoughts, on behalf of the Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University family, I commemorate with mercy, respect, and gratitude the late Prime Minister of the Republic of Türkiye, Bülent Ecevit, who is remembered throughout the world with respect for his modest personality, principled stance, and emphasis on human values, on the 19th anniversary of his passing.”