Hasan Kalyoncu University (HKU) marked the 103rd anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic with a programme held under the theme “103 Voices, One Heart: The Republic in Its 103rd Year”.
Academics, administrative staff and students attended the programme at the HKU Congress and Culture Centre. The event began with a moment of silence followed by the Turkish National Anthem. The opening address was delivered by HKU Dean of Students Assist. Prof. Dr Özgür Osman Demir. In his remarks, Demir highlighted the significance of the 103rd anniversary of the Republic and emphasised the importance of passing the values of the Republic on to future generations.
THE REPUBLIC AND THE SOCIAL ROLE OF WOMEN DISCUSSED
As part of the programme, Prof. Dr Mine Akkan, Dean of HKU Faculty of Law, delivered a speech entitled “Thinking about the Republic with Women: From Today to Tomorrow”. Akkan stated that the Republic had brought significant achievements for women in many areas, from education and working life to science and social participation. She highlighted Türkiye’s first female combat pilot Sabiha Gökçen, first female lawyer Süreyya Ağaoğlu and first female medical doctor Safiye Ali as pioneering figures who symbolised the opportunities opened up to women by the Republic.
Akkan noted that the Republic has continued to develop from past to present through the efforts, ideas and determination of women. Referring to the Climate Science Workshop hosted by HKU, she also drew attention to the tangible contributions made by women to scientific studies. Emphasising that carrying the achievements of the Republic into the future is possible through the active participation of women, Akkan underlined the importance of continuing to move forward together with women from the past into the future.
103 YEARS OF THE REPUBLIC’S LEGACY PRESENTED THROUGH ART
The celebration continued with a choir and oratorio performance themed “103 Years of Light: The Republic and Youth”. Prepared especially for the 103rd anniversary of the Republic, the performance brought together the fundamental values of the Republic, the struggle for independence and the legacy entrusted to young people through music and stage narration.
REPUBLIC DAY TO BE CELEBRATED ON HKU RADIO
As part of the Republic Day events, Assist. Prof. Dr Mihriban Özcan will deliver a talk entitled “The Republic and the Child” on HKU Radio on Thursday, 29 October 2026. The programme will address the significance of the Republic for children’s development and for future generations.
