Zonguldak Ecevit University (BEUN) 2025-2026 Academic Year Opening Ceremony was held with the participation of the 29th Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Şentop.
The 29th Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (GNAT), Prof. Dr. Mustafa Şentop, Zonguldak Governor Osman Hacıbektaşoğlu, Chief Advisor to the President, Saadet Oruç, AK Party Member of Parliament for Zonguldak, Ahmet Çolakoğlu, Garrison Commander Major Ayhan Kafalı, Chief Public Prosecutor Gökhan Kapağan, Chairperson of the Judicial Commission, Birtan Şeker, President of the Administrative Court, Halil Onur, the Rector of Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN), Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, the Rector of Bartın University, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Akkaya, the Rector of Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Alişarlı, AK Party Member of Parliament of the 27th term for Zonguldak, Hamdi Uçar, AK Party Member of Parliament of the 22nd and 23rd term for Zonguldak, Fazlı Erdoğan, provincial heads of political parties and representatives, city and district dignitaries, academic and administrative staff and students attended the ceremony held at Sezai Karakoç Cultural Center on Farabi Campus.
A short film on the history of BEUN was screened following a moment of silence and the singing of the National Anthem. Following the screening, a music recital given by BEUN Dildâde Turkish Music Community and State Conservatory was met with great admiration by the audience.
Rector Özölçer: “It is our responsibility to raise a youth inspired by science, thought, and justice”
The Rector of Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, stated the following in his opening speech:
“We have a valuable guest here today. The arrival of the 29th Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Şentop, who is going to honor us with his lesson titled ‘Law and Life’, is a source of pride and happiness both for the students and us all.
Mr. Speaker is an intellectual statesman and scientist who brings knowledge and wisdom, experience and humility together while uniting the principles of justice, law, and humanity under a common ethos. He has dedicated his life to science, law, and the state. He sees education as the strongest value that shapes the future of a nation. As a statesman who takes science, thought, and justice as a guide, he inspires our youth with his ideas and vision.”
Emphasizing that the universities are the most valuable institutions where the youth is shaped through science, ethics, and virtue, and adorned with love for the homeland, nation, and flag, Rector Özölçer stated that Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University is an academic institution that stands out with qualified studies on the national and international levels.
At the end of his speech, Rector Özölçer noted the following:
“The fact that more than 1700 international students from 68 different countries preferred our university is a sign that we are a multicultural university. I extend my thanks to the 29th Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, valuable scientist, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Şentop, for honoring us here today. I also express my heartfelt thanks to the President of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, who leads us with his innovative vision for the strategic development and the YÖK Family. I would like to thank our valuable Governor and members of the parliament who contribute to making our university and our city the face of our country. I would also like to thank our academic and administrative staff who work hard for the development of our university. I wish success to our valuable students who never lose the excitement of stepping into the future.”
The 29th Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Şentop: “Our students are the most valuable treasures of our future”
BEUN 2025-2026 Academic Year Opening Ceremony continued with the first lesson titled “Law and Life” given by the 29th Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Şentop.
Starting his words greeting the guests, academics, and students, Prof. Dr. Şentop said, “I would like to tell our valuable students that they should read all the Works of Sezai Karakoç as much as possible”.
Prof. Dr. Şentop stated, “The idea of being here for an opening lecture took shape during our conversation with Prof. Dr. İhsan Fazlıoğlu. The teacher of us all, the master, late Zonguldak-born Prof. Dr. Teoman Duralı, was honored here by giving his name to a faculty. We decided to commemorate our valuable Professor here in an opening lecture. Today, I am here on the invitation of our valuable Rector”.
With his studies in the fields of Philosophy of Biology and General Philosophy, Teoman Duralı has earned a significant place not only in Turkey but also worldwide. Emphasizing that Duralı is a valuable figure in the world of science both through his works and his noble character, Şentop said, “His being from Zonguldak is also a source of pride for our university. I commemorate him once again with mercy. I also recommend his works to our young peers and students.”
At the end of his speech, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Şentop thanked all participants and extended his best wishes for success to all students.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of gifts and a group photo in commemoration of the day. Following the ceremony, Rector Prof. Dr. Özölçer hosted TBMM’s 29th Speaker, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Şentop, at his office. During the visit, Rector Özölçer provided information about Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University’s campuses and ongoing projects. Expressing his gratitude for the warm hospitality, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Şentop wished the entire BEUN community success and ease in their endeavors.
