We Commemorate Our Founder with Respect, Gratitude, and Longing on the 100th Anniversary of our Republic

​Altınbaş University's academics and students commemorated Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk on the 100th anniversary of the Republic with ceremonies held in Mahmutbey, Bakırköy, and Gayrettepe campuses.

After the November 10th Atatürk Commemoration Ceremony, a panel titled "Remembering and Understanding Atatürk" took place. Altınbaş University's Rector, Prof. Dr. Çağrı Erhan, emphasized the university's establishment based on Atatürk's principles, keeping in mind his saying, "The true guide is science." Erhan stressed their commitment to the value given to science, women, and art, which are crucial components of their society.

Erhan expressed their continuous efforts to work in the direction outlined by Atatürk to elevate Turkey beyond the contemporary levels of civilization. He highlighted their endeavors to contribute to the improvement and progress of both Altınbaş University and the higher education system of Turkey. Erhan concluded his remarks by pledging, "As Altınbaş University, I promise that we will not deviate from his path in history."

During the panel, moderated by Assoc. Prof. Ufuk Adak, presentations were given by Dr. Gülhan Seyhun, Dr. Kenan Özkan, and Dr. Fırat Arapoğlu on subjects relating to women, history, and art according to Atatürk's understanding.

Dr. Gülhan Seyhun shed light on Atatürk's approach towards women as an outstanding leader of his time. She described the reforms as a revolution for women and emphasized that these changes aimed to make women's existence visible in society. Dr. Seyhun elaborated on how Atatürk's policies initiated a century ago still hold relevance and are considered exemplary.

Atatürk believed the republic was meaningful with democracy, secularism, rights, freedoms, and gender equality, and Dr. Seyhun emphasized how societal progress was built on gender equality. She highlighted how many women are still unaware of their rights and the debt women owe to Atatürk, the Republic schools, and the teachers.

Dr. Kenan Özkan underlined that Atatürk was not only a military leader and statesman but also an important intellectual of his time. He drew attention to the substantial portion of history books from the 4,289 books in Atatürk's library, showing his extensive reading.

He discussed the mission Atatürk assigned to history, aiming to create a nation that would preserve the Republic by emphasizing the importance of shared history in its formation. Özkan explained how prejudices were being broken, revealing the historical presence of Anatolia prior to Greek civilizations and the efforts to develop the Ankara University's Faculty of Language, History, and Geography.

Dr. Fırat Arapoğlu pointed out how Atatürk not only led the establishment of an independent Turkey but also put significant effort into strengthening and enriching the Turkish cultural identity. He highlighted the revival and transformation of Turkish art and culture, emphasizing its crucial role in various artistic fields.

Arapoğlu concluded that Atatürk's encouragement significantly contributed to the national and international recognition of Turkish art and how educational institutions established by Atatürk continue to offer opportunities for young Turkish talents to receive education in the arts.​

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