A Moving Teachers’ Day Celebration at HKU

Hasan Kalyoncu University (HKU) marked 24 November Teachers’ Day with a well-attended celebration themed “Inspiring the Future,” an event filled with enthusiasm and emotion.

Coordinated by Prof. Dr. Latife Özaydın, Dean of HKU’s Faculty of Education, the programme was held at the HKU Congress and Culture Centre. HKU Rector Prof. Dr. Türkay Dereli, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Lütfi Yola, education administrators, faculty members, teachers and students attended.

MARTYRED TEACHERS REMEMBERED

The programme opened with a moment of silence and the National Anthem, followed by a video collage titled “News From Teachers Who Are Graduates of Hasan Kalyoncu University’s Faculty of Education.” Martyred teachers, foremost among them Aybüke Yalçın, Necmettin Yılmaz and Ayşenur Alkan, were remembered with gratitude.

HKU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Lütfi Yola thanked the Faculty of Education for its work in training quality teachers and for organising the programme. “Today we are not merely celebrating a profession; we are honouring a day of sacrifice, devotion and dedication. Teaching is far more than transferring knowledge; our teachers touch students’ lives, shape their thinking, values and character, and guide the future. On this meaningful journey I remember with respect, gratitude and mercy the founder of our Republic, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and all our teachers who became martyrs while carrying out this sacred duty,” he said.

Faculty of Education Dean Prof. Dr. Latife Özaydın thanked everyone who contributed to the day. “In a world where technology is advancing rapidly, the role of teachers has become even more critical. With this awareness, Hasan Kalyoncu University’s Faculty of Education has produced 1,862 graduates and continues to deliver education, research and innovation. Today, I salute all our teachers with respect,” she said.

STRONG TURNOUT FOR THE PROGRAMME

As part of the “Inspiring the Future” theme, retired teacher Canan Ayaz and primary school teacher Sevilcan Yalınız shared insights and experiences from their careers with future teachers in talks titled “A Life Devoted to Education.”

The programme closed with a short concert by the Music Society, a poetry recital, and a group photograph.