The Rector of Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN), Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer and his spouse, Mrs. Seran Özölçer attended the opening ceremony of Ereğli Special Education Center, held with the honored presence of the First Lady of Türkiye, Mrs. Emine Erdoğan, and the Minister of Education, Yusuf Tekin.
The opening ceremony was attended by Mrs. Emine Erdoğan and Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin; Zonguldak Governor Osman Hacıbektaşoğlu and his wife Güney Hacıbektaşoğlu; Chief Advisor to the President Saadet Oruç; AK Party Zonguldak Members of Parliament Ahmet Çolakoğlu and Saffet Bozkurt and his wife Nurhayat Bozkurt; BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer and his wife Seran Özölçer; Mayor of Devrek Özcan Ulupınar; Provincial Head of the AK Party Mustafa Çağlayan and his wife Hande Çağlayan; Provincial Head of the MHP Çağatay İpekçi; provincial and district dignitaries, teachers, students, members of the press and citizens.
Emine Erdoğan: “Disability Is Not a Label, but a Matter of Equality and Dignity”
In her speech, Emine Erdoğan emphasized that individuals with special needs should be seen not merely as “in need of help,” but as “equal, dignified and respected” members of society:
“We do not see the concept of disability as a label that divides people into two groups, nor do we approach others with a perspective that attributes deficiency. We regard systemic arrangements that facilitate the lives of individuals with disabilities—ensuring education and employment opportunities or accessibility—not as an act of benevolence but as the fulfillment of a right because individuals with disabilities are equal, dignified and respected members of society.”
Emine Erdoğan noted that the campus was built with this understanding, stating:
“This campus is the most concrete expression of our state’s constant support for our children and their families. Every opportunity provided here is a guarantee of justice, equality and respect for human dignity within society.”
Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin Highlights the Importance of ‘Language and Approach’
Following Emine Erdoğan, Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin underscored the importance of equality and respect in special education, drawing attention to how even everyday language shapes social perception:
“Our duty is to reflect on all forms of deficiency—seeing and yet not seeing, hearing and yet not hearing, feeling and yet not feeling—and to weigh our own state on that scale because the real issue is not only integrating our brothers and sisters with disabilities into life, but also removing the invisible barriers we build around our hearts.
“Every word we use holds up a mirror not only to others but also to ourselves. Even when we say ‘disabled’ in daily language, we must recognize the invisible boundaries hidden within the word. Without noticing, we often create two separate worlds—‘us’ and ‘them.’ Yet what we must do is prioritize what our history, culture and humanity require of us.”
Campus Features, Ceremony Flow and Visits
The campus includes three levels of special education units starting from preschool; classrooms, individual education areas, speech therapy rooms, life-skills classrooms and workshops, as well as a therapy pool, indoor swimming pool, conference hall, greenhouses and sports facilities—all designed as part of a modern complex.
After the opening speeches, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held, followed by a walk through the campus. Guests visited classrooms, therapy rooms and social areas, and met with students and teachers. The campus’s physical structure and educational infrastructure—designed according to the needs of children—received particular appreciation from participants.
The opening symbolizes not merely the inauguration of a physical facility, but the establishment of an education environment grounded in equality, respect and dignity for individuals with special needs. Participants shared a common emphasis: this campus stands as a concrete testament to the state’s and society’s responsibility toward children and their families, and to its commitment to social welfare.
