The Rector of Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN) Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer attended the 19th May Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth, and Sports Day Program held at Karaelmas Kemal Köksal Stadium and shared in the enthusiasm of the youth. Held with great enthusiasm and strong participation, the program witnessed meaningful moments of national unity and solidarity.
The program was attended by Zonguldak Governor Osman Hacıbektaşoğlu, Zonguldak Parliament Member of AK Party Ahmet Çolakoğlu, Zonguldak Parliament Member of CHP Eylem Ertuğrul, Zonguldak Chief Public Prosecutor Gökhan Kapağan, BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, city dignitaries, academics, students, and many citizens.
Poetry and Arts Exhibition on 19th May Was Widely Appreciated
The exhibition of poems and paintings prepared by students for “19th May Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth, and Sports Day” at Zonguldak Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports was visited before the ceremony. The works of art that reflect the national spirit, love for independence, and historic meaning of 19th May were examined by city dignitaries.
City dignitaries were informed about the work of the students and congratulated them on their hard work. The top-ranking works were awarded and students were congratulated.
Address to the Youth and Their Response Created Emotional Moments
The program began with a moment of silence for our honorable martyrs and singing of the National Anthem. Zonguldak Governor Osman Hacıbektaşoğlu and Zonguldak Mayor Tahsin Erdem greeted the youth and citizens and congratulated them on the National holiday. As part of the ceremony, BEUN Department of Turkish Language and Literature recited Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s “Address to the Youth” and “Youth’s Response to Atatürk” creating emotional moments in the stadium. Attendees appreciated the recitation of the young people in a strong voice and great enthusiasm and applauded them.
Organized under the coordination of Zonguldak Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports, the program included folklore dances, sports performances, and various shows. Citizens were applauded for their performances.
Great Interest in Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University Stand
As part of the celebration, Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University stand attracted great interest from the attendees. Works of art that represent the academic background, cultural heritage, and technological force of university were on exhibition on the stand.
Devrek canes traditionally prepared by BEUN Devrek Cane Application and Research Center, ceramic products prepared by Gökçebey Mithat Mehmet Çanakcı Vocational School academics and students, wooden toys made by Wood Culture Application and Research Center, and musical instruments made by State Conservatory Department of Instrument Making and Repair were also exhibited.
Additionally, the stand featured the awards won by BEUN Technology Teams on national and international platforms, especially TEKNOFEST, as well as models of the vehicles they developed. The science, technology, and production-oriented works of the university students received great appreciation from the city dignitaries.
The city dignitaries visiting the stand closely engaged with the students and academics and received information about the ongoing projects. Praising the university’s qualified works in the scientific field, its vision of preserving cultural values, and its achievements in the field of technology, the city dignitaries stated that BEUN has carried out exemplary projects that add value both to Zonguldak and to Türkiye. Emphasizing that the works produced by the students are the result of great effort, determination, and academic guidance, the protocol members congratulated all academics and students and wished them continued success.
Rector Özölçer: “The Spirit of May 19 Lives On in the Determination of Our Youth, in Their Scientific and Cultural Production”
Making evaluations after the celebration program, BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer stated that May 19 not only reflects a turning point in the history of the Turkish nation, but is also one of the strongest symbols of the nation’s resurgence, the will for independence, and the trust placed in the youth.
In his statement, Rector Prof. Dr. Özölçer expressed the following words:
“May 19 is the name of a blessed revival in which the spirit of independence and future rose wave after wave from Anatolia, and the national will flourished once again. This meaningful legacy entrusted by Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk to Turkish youth continues to live today through the achievements our young people demonstrate in science, art, and sports with their diligence. As Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, we adopt as a principle raising our youth as individuals who are devoted to national and moral values, who research, produce, and contribute value to their country.”
Thanking those who contributed to the organization of the program, Rector Özölçer also stated the following:
“On the occasion of the May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day, I would like to express my gratitude first and foremost to our Governor of Zonguldak, Mr. Osman Hacıbektaşoğlu, for leading the realization of such a valuable program. In addition, I sincerely thank our Provincial Director of Youth and Sports, Mr. Halil Hacı, and the family of the Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports for successfully carrying out the coordination of the program. I also wholeheartedly thank all our academics, students, and staff members who prepared the scientific, cultural, and technological works of our university with great devotion. Every achievement demonstrated by our youth further strengthens our hopes for the future of our country.”
The program, which was held with intense participation and great enthusiasm, ended after the performances prepared by the youth and the commemorative photographs taken afterwards.
