Marmara University 2026-2027 Academic Year Opening Ceremony took place at the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Complex Technology Faculty T2 Building Conference Hall with the participation of YÖK President Erol Özvar. Chief Prof. Dr. The ceremony, which started with the concert of the Marmara Flute Orchestra under the direction of Ece Karşal, was attended by Marmara University Rector Prof. Dr. It continued with the opening speech of Mehmet Emin Okur. Within the scope of the program, the President of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar gave the opening lecture titled 'Terror-Free Türkiye'.
YÖK President Prof. started his speech by touching on the primary duties of universities. Dr. Erol Özvar said, "Universities have to fulfill their duties of producing knowledge and training qualified people together with their responsibilities towards the issues of the society they live in. Making sure that our academic knowledge is reflected in social life is among the primary responsibilities of our universities. For this reason, it is unthinkable for any of us to remain indifferent to our country's agenda."
Özvar said, "Under the leadership of our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the goal of 'Terrorism-Free Turkey' has been put forward. We consider this goal as an extremely essential step that will strengthen the peace and security of our country, strengthen our national unity and brotherhood, improve our social solidarity and contribute to our economic development. It is of great importance that our universities contribute to this process with their scientific knowledge and institutional opportunities. Panels, conferences, workshops and academic research to be conducted." "The goal of 'Terror-free Türkiye' should be addressed with its social, cultural, legal and economic dimensions," he said.
Stating that the responsibility of universities also requires sensitivity to humanitarian crises in different parts of the world, Özvar said, "Respect for human dignity, justice and the search for truth, which are at the core of our scientific studies, must guide our attitude towards these crises. With this understanding, we, as the higher education community, support and must support the struggle of our President to defend the rights of those who are oppressed and unfair, with all our capacity as the higher education community."
Özvar said, "As you know, the great destruction suffered by higher education institutions in Gaza as a result of Israel's inhumane attacks prevented thousands of students and academics from continuing their education and research activities. The destruction of universities, libraries and research facilities has also severely affected the human resources that will build the future of the Palestinian people. In order to reduce the effects of this destruction, with the permission of our President, we have taken measures to make it easier for Palestinian students who cannot continue their education in their country to study in our universities. We also provide opportunities for Palestinian academics in our institutions to the extent possible. "As of today, our universities do not collect tuition fees for international students from Gaza. In this respect, we continue to support not only students but also faculty members. Today, the implementation of online, especially associate and undergraduate completion courses and programs for students living in Palestine is on the agenda. In this respect, we will continue to provide all kinds of support to Palestine, as we have done so far."
Emphasizing the importance of digital transformation and artificial intelligence in academia, Prof. Dr. Özvar said, "The great advances made in digital technologies in today's world and the increasing prevalence of artificial intelligence tools in educational institutions and economic life require our faculty members to use these tools with pedagogical and scientific competence. We attach importance to the fact that our professors benefit from the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence in developing course contents, diversifying teaching activities, providing students with feedback appropriate to their needs and supporting research processes. For this purpose, recognizing the capacity and limitations of the artificial intelligence tools used, checking the accuracy of the content they produce with reliable sources, protecting personal data and adhering to academic ethics." "It is necessary to comply with the principles meticulously," he said.
After the speeches, President Özvar presented awards to the team of Marmara University students who achieved success abroad in taekwondo and karate branches. The ceremony ended after a group photo.
