The commemoration programme held at the Hasan Kalyoncu University (HKU) Law Amphitheatre began with a moment of silence and the recitation of the Turkish National Anthem in memory of the students, graduates and citizens who lost their lives in the earthquake. Following a recitation from the Holy Quran and a prayer, a conference titled “Earthquake-Resilient Cities” was held.
Speaking at the commemoration programme, HKU Rector Prof. Dr. Türkay Dereli said, “The 6 February earthquakes opened deep wounds in our hearts and left lasting scars. However, the spirit of support and solidarity that emerged in this difficult time made us all stronger and reinforced our unity and togetherness in healing the wounds. As Hasan Kalyoncu University, we did our utmost to support our students, our staff and the earthquake survivors throughout this challenging period. We worked hand in hand to heal the wounds of the earthquake. We mobilised to meet urgent needs, provide shelter and health services, and offer psychosocial support. In Islahiye, at the Kalyon Container City, the first temporary living centre to be put into service after the earthquake, our academic and administrative staff served in rotation at the service unit we established as HKU. In addition to the work carried out at the Islahiye Kalyon Container City, we also operated in two tent cities in Kahramanmaraş and Adıyaman. I thank everyone who contributed to these efforts. I hope that such disasters will never be experienced again. I pray for God’s mercy upon our students, graduates and citizens who lost their lives in the earthquake, and offer my condolences to their families.”
Following the conference titled “Earthquake-Resilient Cities,” delivered by Prof. Dr. Hanifi Çanakçı from the HKU Faculty of Engineering and Prof. Dr. Serhat Yenice, Dean of the HKU Faculty of Fine Arts and Architecture, a panel titled ‘The HKU Family During the Earthquake Period’ was moderated by HKU Dean of Students Asst. Prof. Dr. Özgür Osman Demir. In the panel, academics, volunteer students and earthquake-survivor guests from Bektaşlı village in the Kırıkhan district of Hatay talked about the 6 February earthquakes and what they experienced during and after them. After the programme, which included emotional moments, HKU Board of Trustees Deputy Chairman Haluk Kalyoncu, Rector Prof. Dr. Türkay Dereli, academics and students visited the area on campus where trees were planted in memory of the students and graduates who lost their lives in the 6 February earthquakes. The programme concluded with a mawlid held at the Elif Mosque.
