University Hosted the Conference Entitled "Türkiye's Victory of Democracy"

University Hosted the Conference Entitled "Türkiye's Victory of Democracy"

As part of the July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day commemorative events, our University hosted the conference entitled "Türkiye's Victory of Democracy," featuring Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Fatma Şahin as the keynote speaker.

The conference, held at the University's Rectorate Conference Hall, was attended by Kilis Governor Ömer Kalaylı, Commander of the 11th Border Brigade Brigadier General Ersin Özbalcı, our Rector Prof. Dr. Zekeriya Akman, members of the provincial protocol, academic and administrative staff, students, members of the press, and numerous guests.

The programme began with a moment of silence and the National Anthem, followed by the opening remarks of our Rector, Prof. Dr. Zekeriya Akman. In his address, Rector Akman emphasized that July 15 stands as a historic turning point during which, under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the Turkish nation resolutely defended democracy, independence, and the national will. He also stated that, while educating students as academically well-equipped individuals, the University regards it as one of its foremost responsibilities to pass on the values of patriotism, national unity and solidarity, and the thousands of years of civilizational heritage that form the foundation of the nation's identity.

In her keynote address, Mayor Fatma Şahin examined the political, social, and economic consequences of military coups throughout Türkiye's history from a broad historical perspective. She illustrated, through various examples, the impact of coup attempts on the national will and the country's democratic development.

Mayor Şahin described July 15 as a historic milestone during which the Turkish nation stood united in defence of its national will. She underlined that the determined stance demonstrated under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has become one of the strongest symbols of the nation's unwavering commitment to democracy.

Referring to the humanitarian and conscientious stance demonstrated by the people of Kilis in recent years, Mayor Şahin praised the city's strong culture of solidarity and fraternity, noting that its spirit of selfless cooperation serves as an exemplary model of social unity.

Following the conference, members of the provincial protocol and invited guests visited the July 15 Commemorative Exhibition displayed in the foyer of the Rectorate Conference Hall.