The “2026–2027 Academic Year Opening Ceremony” was held at Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN). As part of the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Sadettin Ökten, recipient of the Presidential Grand Award for Culture and Arts and an academic at Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, delivered the first lecture of the academic year titled “The Vision of Civilization and Identity”.
The ceremony, held at Sezai Karakoç Cultural Center, was attended by Zonguldak Governor Osman Hacıbektaşoğlu, Zonguldak Chief Public Prosecutor Gökhan Kapağan, President of the Justice Commission Birtan Şeker, Zonguldak Administrative Court President Mehmet Sümen, BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Ulusoy, Prof. Dr. Sadettin Ökten, provincial and district dignitaries, academic and administrative staff, and many students.
Following a moment of silence in memory of the martyrs and the National Anthem, a musical performance by the BEUN Dildâde Turkish Music Ensemble received great appreciation from the participants. The program continued with the university’s promotional film.
Governor Hacıbektaşoğlu: “Our University Holds a Leading Position in Higher Education with Its Long-Established History”
Speaking at the 2026–2027 Academic Year Opening Ceremony, Governor Hacıbektaşoğlu stated that BEUN holds a strategic position with nearly 30,000 students, young people from 69 countries studying at the university, and more than 125,000 graduates. Noting that the foundations of the university were laid in 1924 with mining education and that it has now become a respected center of learning at both national and international levels, Hacıbektaşoğlu thanked all academics and administrators who have contributed to the university since its establishment.
Rector Ulusoy: “Science Detached from Culture Is Incomplete, and Ideals Without Science Have No Clear Goal”
In his speech on the significance of the day, Rector Ulusoy stated that they were honored to host Prof. Dr. Sadettin Ökten. Advising young people to avoid rote learning, question things, produce knowledge, and embrace their roots, Rector Ulusoy emphasized that Türkiye’s future would be built on the shoulders of young people who produce technology. Stating that BEUN’s main goal is to be an institution that produces scientific knowledge, competes with the world, and contributes to the development of its region, Ulusoy wished everyone a successful new academic year.
Prof. Dr. Ökten: “A Society That Is Never Satisfied Is Being Created”
Delivering the first lecture after the opening speeches, Prof. Dr. Ökten discussed the effects of globalization and digitalization on the human mind and societies. Stating that digital media creates a virtual world that appeals to individuals’ instincts and ambitions, Ökten noted that the act of “purchasing” has now become a means of defining one’s existence and that this situation creates masses of people who constantly want more but remain unhappy. Drawing on his experiences in the United States, Ökten emphasized the importance of balancing freedom and security and called on young people to embrace their historical and cultural heritage.
The program ended with Governor Hacıbektaşoğlu and Rector Ulusoy presenting Prof. Dr. Ökten with a specially designed Dervish Staff, followed by a commemorative photo.
