The theatrical play titled “Firavunla Yüz Yüze” (Face to Face with the Pharaoh), directed and staged by theatre and film actor Ahmet Yenilmez, and inspired by Mehmet Akif Ersoy’s work Safahat, met with art enthusiasts at Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN).
Mehmet Akif’s Legacy Came to Life on Stage
The event, held at the Sezai Karakoç Cultural Center, was attended by BEUN Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Şenol Hakan Kutoğlu, Secretary General Prof. Dr. Zehra Safi Öz, senate members, academic and administrative staff, students, and numerous theatre enthusiasts. Sponsored by Halkbank, the play—prepared with inspiration from national poet Mehmet Akif Ersoy’s Safahat—was presented to the audience free of charge. Centered on themes such as individual conscience, the pursuit of freedom, and resistance against oppression, the production powerfully portrayed humanity’s confrontation with its inner world during difficult times, the meaning of a righteous struggle, and an unwavering stance against injustice.
The hologram technology used in the performance enriched the stage aesthetics, while the profound meanings embedded in Mehmet Akif’s verses gained a visual dimension for the audience. The depiction of suffering across the Islamic world—from Bosnia to Karabakh, and from Gaza to Abu Ghraib—created deeply emotional moments for viewers.
Ahmet Yenilmez, remembered for his unforgettable roles in major Turkish television and cinema productions such as Deli Yürek, Ekmek Teknesi, and Kuruluş Osman, once again received great acclaim from the audience with his impressive stage performance. In the finale, addressing the audience in the role of Mehmet Akif Ersoy, Yenilmez emphasized that the Holy Qur’an and Safahat should not remain merely as books on shelves, underlining that the path to truth lies in “reading with understanding” and “equipping oneself with knowledge.”
A Touching Tribute: Mining Martyrs Remembered with Prayers
At the end of the program, flowers and certificates of appreciation were presented to Ahmet Yenilmez and Burak Alp Yenilmez. The master artist Ahmet Yenilmez’s request that the flowers presented to him be placed on the graves of mining martyrs who lost their lives hundreds of meters underground for the prosperous future of the homeland, the nation, and their families moved the audience deeply. This meaningful gesture was met with strong applause from attendees. The event concluded with commemorative photographs.
Rector Özölçer: “The Works of Our National Poet Mehmet Akif Ersoy Should Be Conveyed to Younger Generations Through the Power of Art”
Making remarks regarding the theatre event, BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer stated:
“This valuable work titled Face to Face with the Pharaoh, staged at our university, is an exceptional gathering of culture and art reflecting our nation’s historical memory, conscience, and national and spiritual values. The intellectual world of our national poet Mehmet Akif Ersoy embodies a powerful vision of civilization centered on faith, morality, and the pursuit of truth. Reinterpreting Ersoy’s unique legacy through performing arts makes significant contributions to helping younger generations better recognize and internalize their own values.
Culture and art are among the most fundamental elements that preserve a nation’s identity and establish strong bridges between the past and the future. Acting with this awareness, our university adopts the principle of raising students not only as academically competent individuals but also as culturally and artistically enriched ones. We attach great importance to our young people participating more actively in such qualified events, building stronger connections with art, and enriching their intellectual worlds. In this regard, our university continues its efforts with determination to preserve and pass on our national and spiritual values to future generations in the best possible way.
On this occasion, I wholeheartedly thank our esteemed artist Ahmet Yenilmez and the valuable artist Burak Alp Yenilmez for staging such a meaningful work with great mastery. I also sincerely thank all stakeholders who contributed to this significant organization and the art lovers who showed great interest in the event.”
