The Graduation Ceremony of the Faculty of Theology for the 2025–2026 Academic Year at Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN) was held with strong participation and was marked by emotional moments and great pride.
The ceremony, held at the Sezai Karakoç Cultural Center, was attended by BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, Zonguldak Provincial Mufti İbrahim Halil Demir, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Servet Karasu, Secretary General Prof. Dr. Zehra Safi Öz, senate members, academic and administrative staff, students, and their families.
The program began with a moment of silence in memory of the nation's martyrs and the singing of the Turkish National Anthem, followed by a recitation from the Holy Qur’an.
An Emotional Farewell Speech from Faculty Valedictorian Sağır
Speaking on behalf of all graduates, the valedictorian of the Faculty of Theology, Cemre Sağır, created emotional moments in the hall as she shared the joy of graduation. Expressing her happiness and pride in graduating from the Faculty of Theology, Sağır stated that she had continued the memorization of the Qur’an (Hifz) journey she began thanks to the opportunities provided by the faculty during her student years, and said:
“Today, we are experiencing the indescribable joy of graduating from the Faculty of Theology. As we leave behind one of the most beautiful, educational, and meaningful periods of our lives, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all our esteemed guests who are with us on this special day. One of the most valuable aspects of these years for me has been the Hifz journey that I began thanks to the opportunities offered by our faculty. Alhamdulillah, this journey, which I still continue with great excitement and enthusiasm, has become one of the most precious achievements of my life. There is a great share of our families’ prayers and their belief in us behind every success we have achieved today. The greatest force that enabled us to wear these academic gowns has first been the help of Almighty Allah, and then your love, care, and prayers. May Almighty Allah be eternally pleased with you all. Finally, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to all my esteemed professors, especially our Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, who devoted great effort to organizing this ceremony for us, as well as to my dear friends and our cherished families.”
Vice Dean Akın: “Our Faculty of Theology Is Growing Stronger Every Day”
Following the speech delivered on behalf of the graduates, the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Theology, Prof. Dr. Murat Akın, took the podium and stated that the Faculty of Theology has achieved significant success in recent years in the fields of education, scientific research, and social contribution. Emphasizing that students are educated not only with strong academic qualifications but also with a sense of moral responsibility, Akın expressed his gratitude to Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer for his contributions to the development of the faculty and for his continuous support. He also congratulated all graduates and their families.
Rector Özölçer: “You Are the Hope of Our Nation, the Islamic World, and All Humanity”
Taking the podium to deliver a speech on the significance of the day, Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer expressed the following remarks:
“Today, our University continues to educate young people who will shape the future of Türkiye in many fields, from theology to the social sciences and humanities. How fortunate we are to have the privilege of sending off the distinguished graduates of our Faculty of Theology into their new lives today. You are the hope of our nation, the Islamic world, and all humanity. You are the Generation of Asım, as envisioned by our National Poet Mehmet Akif. Put your knowledge at the service of humanity. Be representatives of goodness wherever you go. Be a source of hope for those in despair. Never forget that success belongs to those who do not give up, who never stop believing and working. As the scholars, educators, academics, and intellectuals of tomorrow, you will be among the most valuable treasures of this nation. We love you dearly and are always proud of you. We sincerely believe that you will represent our University in the best possible way wherever your paths may lead you. May Allah grant you open roads, a bright future, and lasting success.”
Success Immortalized in the Ceremonial Log
Following the speeches, the valedictorian of the Faculty of Theology for the 2025–2026 Academic Year, Cemre Sağır, hammered a plaque bearing her name into the graduation log in the presence of her family, leaving her achievement as a lasting mark in the history of the University. As part of the program, plaques and certificates of achievement were presented to faculty valedictorian Cemre Sağır, second-place graduate Merve Baş, and third-place graduate Zehra Gürdegir.
Students Celebrated Their Graduation by Tossing Their Caps
As the program continued, symbolic diplomas were presented by academics to students graduating from the Faculty of Theology. This was followed by the graduation oath ceremony led by Associate Professor Dr. Ali Soylu, a faculty member of the Faculty of Theology.
Following the oath ceremony, students celebrated their graduation with great enthusiasm and excitement by tossing their caps into the air and sharing their joy with their families, friends, and academics. The program, which concluded with commemorative photographs, created unforgettable memories for the graduates and their families.
