Graduation Ceremonies Celebrate New Beginnings at Haliç University

The 2025–2026 Academic Year Graduation Ceremonies at our university were held over three days in nine separate sessions. During the ceremonies, students from the Faculties of Engineering, Medicine, Health Sciences, Architecture, Sports Sciences, Arts and Sciences, Business, and Fine Arts, as well as the Vocational School and the Conservatory, celebrated their graduation. Throughout the ceremonies, emphasis was placed on knowledge, ethical values, service to humanity, social responsibility, and lifelong learning.

Attended by families, academics, and students, the ceremonies marked not only the awarding of diplomas but also the responsibility entrusted to our graduates in terms of science, conscience, ethical values, and the future.

The ceremonies opened with a musical performance by conservatory academics Dr. Ali Levent Marancı and Lecturer Yiğit Deriga, together with our student Haydar Mustafa Bektaş and Technical Specialist Alican Gerçek from the School of Foreign Languages. The performance added an artistic atmosphere to the graduation ceremonies while creating unforgettable moments for all participants.

Among the graduates of the 2025–2026 Academic Year, students who distinguished themselves through outstanding academic achievement were also recognized. Feyza Çavuş, a graduate of the Department of Psychology in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, was named the university’s top-ranking student. Zehra Ece Polat, a graduate of the Department of Graphic Design in the Faculty of Fine Arts, ranked second, while Hatice Cebe, a graduate of the English-medium Psychology Program in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, ranked third.

In his opening speeches delivered in Turkish, English, and Arabic across all sessions, Rector Prof. Dr. Enes Eryarsoy defined graduation not as an ending, but as a new beginning.

Drawing on Tolstoy’s words, “All great stories begin in one of two ways: either a person goes on a journey or a stranger comes to a city,” Prof. Dr. Eryarsoy stated that students first arrived at our university as individuals who did not know one another, and today leave as graduates setting out toward their new lives.

He also highlighted the historical and cultural significance of the Golden Horn, referring to Fatih Sultan Mehmet’s strategies to overcome the chain across the Golden Horn and Leonardo da Vinci’s bridge project over the Golden Horn, emphasizing that the Golden Horn symbolizes effort, patience, and determination.

Stating that engineering problems are not solved by force but by perspective, he emphasized that our university teaches students not only to produce solutions but also to approach problems from different angles and find alternative ways forward.

He also referred to interdisciplinary studies bringing together artificial intelligence and biology, noting that the successes of the future will only be possible through collaboration between different disciplines.

At the end of his speech, he addressed graduates by saying: “Today you complete your first story. Now you begin your second story. May your path be open. Carry us in your hearts, because we will always be behind you.”

In the first session of the opening day, students of the Faculty of Engineering received their diplomas.

Graduates from the Departments of Computer Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Software Engineering began their professional careers.

The Faculty of Engineering’s top-ranking student was Bilal Atanda Oladigbolu from Mechanical Engineering (English). Department top-ranking students were Baraa Abid from Computer Engineering (English), Simay Özyakar from Electrical and Electronics Engineering (English), Eylül Harman from Industrial Engineering (English), and Okan Atahan from Software Engineering (English).

Dean Prof. Dr. Temel Savaşkan congratulated the top graduates and emphasized that engineering is not only a field of technical knowledge but also a profession that carries responsibility toward society and humanity.

Students of the Faculty of Medicine celebrated their graduation, while Dean Prof. Dr. Mustafa Özen stated that medicine is not only a profession but also a responsibility devoted to human life.

Following the speeches, the Faculty of Medicine’s top-ranking student Dr. Neriman Damla Farsakoğlu, second-ranked Dr. Zeynep Domur, and third-ranked Ezgi Su Tokdemir were presented with their plaques.

During the ceremony, our student Feyzanur Alkan, who lost her life in the February 6 earthquakes, was commemorated with deep sorrow and respect. Graduates took the Hippocratic Oath and began their professional careers.

Students from the Departments of Nutrition and Dietetics, Midwifery, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, and Nursing prepared to take their place in the healthcare sector.

Dean Prof. Dr. İrfan Papila emphasized the importance of ethical values, conscience, and human dignity.

Following his speech, faculty and department top-ranking students were awarded. The Faculty of Health Sciences’ top-ranking position was shared by Pınar Atasoy and Nil Sağır. Department top-ranking students included Noor K. A. Hejja (Nutrition and Dietetics English), Esra Karagülmez (Midwifery), Salma Rahmani (Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation English), Melike Zübeyde Arslan (Nursing), and Berna Orak (Nursing English).

In the first session of the second day, students of the Faculty of Architecture celebrated their graduation.

Dean Prof. Dr. Füsun Seçer Kariptaş stated that students not only acquired professional knowledge but also learned to think, question, produce, imagine, and design.

She emphasized respect for different ideas, a culture of coexistence, friendship, and solidarity, and noted that university life helps students discover their hidden abilities. She also called on graduates to use their knowledge and experience for the benefit of society without departing from honesty, justice, and ethical values.

Thanking families, she expressed gratitude for their support and trust throughout the educational journey.

Following the speech, faculty and department top-ranking students received their awards. The Faculty of Architecture’s top-ranking student was Pelin Şenyurt from Interior Architecture. Nisa Irmak Erzen from Industrial Design and Ece Gürkan from Architecture were also among the successful graduates.

Dean’s Deputy Dr. İbrahim Turgay Turan emphasized universal sporting values such as honesty, respect, fair play, and determination as lifelong guiding principles. He also recalled the saying, “I like the athlete who is intelligent, agile, and also ethical,” and commemorated the late Prof. Dr. Kut Sarpyener.

Faculty top-ranking student Alp Can Değer and department top-ranking students received their awards. Department top-ranking students included Ali Çakmak (Coaching Education), Senanur Özdemir (Recreation), Beyza Nur Ceylan (Sports Management), and Umutcan Aktuğ (Sports Management English).

The ceremony also highlighted sporting achievements throughout the year. At the Turkish Interuniversity Athletics Championship, Muhammet Raşit Kalafat became Turkish champion in javelin throw, Hamza Yaşın placed second in the 1500 meters, Halil Yaşın placed second in the 5000 meters, and Emir Han Ekinci placed third in javelin throw. In wrestling, Sina Aksakal achieved second place in Türkiye, while Meriç Ağkuş and Cevat Güney Erdem achieved second place in rowing. The achievements of European champion athletes Aykut Taşgın and Berkay Erer were also highlighted.

Students of the Vocational School celebrated their graduation during the second and third sessions of the second day of ceremonies.

In his address, Vocational School Director Dr. İsmail Belli noted that universities are not only institutions that provide professional qualifications, but also environments that support students’ cultural, social, artistic, and sporting development.

Dr. Belli offered three key pieces of advice to graduates. He first emphasized the importance of valuing family. He then highlighted the significance of maintaining human values while pursuing success and advancing in one’s career. Finally, he encouraged graduates to choose role models, pointing out that influential figures from history and civilization can serve as a source of inspiration for young people.

Following the speech, the top students of the Vocational School and individual programs were announced. The top graduate of the Vocational School was Remziye Kaya from the Culinary Arts Program, followed by Yasin Furkan Kayağ from the Computer Technologies Program in second place and Tuğbanur Karadağ from the Computer Programming Program in third place.

Awards were also presented to the top students of each program. Recipients included Hilal Cengiz (Anesthesia), Mehmet Sungur (Culinary Arts – Evening), Ayaz Kuşsan (Banking and Insurance), Arda Ardıç (Information Security Technology), Emine Akgül (Child Development), Emir Özkanca (Electrical Engineering), Bengüsu Nida Şahin (Electronics Technology), Helen Düzgün (Physiotherapy), Meryem Dallı (Graphic Design), Sudem Kılınç (Interior Design), Enes Furkan Kahvecioğlu (First and Emergency Aid), Yunus Kutbay (Construction Technology), Ataberk Deniz (Logistics), Oğuzhan Bursa (Machinery), İkbal Aleyna Demir (Hair Care and Beauty Services), Elif Bostan (Medical Imaging Techniques), and Miray Yılmaz (Tourism and Hotel Management).

Students of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences celebrated their graduation and received their diplomas.

Dean Prof. Dr. Rahmet Savaş stated that graduation marks not only the completion of an educational journey but also the beginning of a new chapter shaped by knowledge, responsibility, and character.

He emphasized that throughout their university years, students gained not only professional and academic knowledge but also the ability to conduct research, think critically, embrace continuous learning, and act with a strong sense of social responsibility. He encouraged graduates to use their knowledge and experience for the benefit of humanity and society while remaining committed to ethical values.

Following the speech, awards were presented to the Faculty of Arts and Sciences’ top-ranking student, Feyza Çavuş from the Department of Psychology, as well as the department top-ranking students. The award recipients included Ayşe Genç (American Culture and Literature), Dilara Serdar (English Translation and Interpreting), Hayrunnisa Dinç (Mathematics), Tarweeh Bilal Osman Bilal (Molecular Biology and Genetics – English), Hatice Cebe (Psychology – English), and Bedia Efnan Demir (Turkish Language and Literature).

Faculty of Business Administration students received their diplomas at the graduation ceremony and took their first steps into their new lives. Dean Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aykaç emphasized that throughout their university education, students gained not only professional knowledge but also skills in questioning, analyzing, understanding a rapidly changing world, and adhering to ethical values. He called on graduates to continue lifelong learning, to remain committed to strong moral values, and to guide the future as individuals who produce value for society.

Following the speech, awards were presented to the department top students. Berfin Bulut from the Department of Public Relations and Publicity, Kadir Karakaş from the Department of Business Administration, Mahamed Abdiqani Mahamed Samantar from the Department of Business Administration (English), Berke Özlü from the Department of Political Science and International Relations, Abid-Arruman Hussein Azouz from the Department of International Trade and Business (English), and Itırnur Yücel from the Department of Management Information Systems (English) received awards for ranking first in their departments.

Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, Prof. Dr. Cengiz İpek, stated in his graduation speech that throughout their four-year education, students not only gained professional knowledge but also acquired a unique identity in the fields of art and design. Prof. Dr. İpek noted that education in art and design will guide graduates throughout their lives, and advised them to continue their lives as individuals committed to ethical values, justice, conscience, and a human-centered approach.

At the ceremony, academically successful students were also announced. The top student of the Faculty of Fine Arts was Zehra Ece Polat from the Department of Graphic Design.

The first-place students of the departments were Tümer Candan from the Department of Cartoon and Animation, Fatma Ayrıç from the Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts, Eylül Yüce from the Department of Visual Communication Design, Zehra Ece Polat from the Department of Graphic Design, and Azime Çaldaş from the Department of Textile and Fashion Design.

Conservatory Director Prof. Dr. Murat Salim Tokaç drew attention in his speech to the strong connection between civilization, tradition, and art. He emphasized that tradition does not mean remaining bound to the past, but carrying cultural heritage into the future, and stated that art should be nourished by the spirit of society. Referring to the deep-rooted heritage of Turkish culture and civilization, he highlighted the importance of raising individuals who carry art, philosophy, and wisdom together. He emphasized the role of education, starting from the family and continuing through teachers and universities, in individual development. He stated that an artistic journey requires discipline, effort, and continuity.

At the ceremony, the Conservatory’s top student was Nezaket İlayda Demir from the Opera Department. Department top students included Nezaket İlayda Demir from the Opera Department, Şilan Canpolat from the Theatre Department, and Beste Bulut from the Turkish Music Department.

Across all ceremonies, the shared message remained the same: advancing toward the future without departing from science, ethical values, a human-centered approach, and social responsibility.

Engineers, physicians, health professionals, architects, sports scientists, and vocational school graduates began new chapters in their lives, carrying the knowledge, experience, and friendships they gained during their university years.