The ceremony began with a moment of silence, the Turkish National Anthem, and a screening of an introductory video about Acıpayam Vocational School. The opening speech was delivered by Prof. Dr. Ali Kurt, Director of Acıpayam Vocational School. The ceremony was attended by academic and administrative staff and students, as well as Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aşçı, Dean of PAU’s Faculty of Science; Prof. Dr. Mustafa Türkan, Advisor to the PAU Rector; Kürşad Kağan Ergün, Chief Public Prosecutor of Acıpayam; Osman Duran, District Director of National Education; and other protocol members. Advisory board members of the programs offered by the vocational school also attended the opening ceremony.

In his opening speech, Prof. Dr. Ali Kurt emphasized Acıpayam Vocational School’s productivity and commitment to practical education, stating:

“Today, we are not merely beginning a new academic year; we are opening the door to the future. A country’s strength is measured by the qualified individuals it educates—people who contribute to production and adapt rapidly to innovation and change. Vocational education is the strongest foundation of this strength. It is skilled hands and thoughtful minds that keep factory wheels turning, increase productivity in the fields, and push the boundaries of technology. Vocational education is the backbone of this country’s development.”

Emphasizing that Acıpayam Vocational School takes pride in being a hardworking and productive educational institution, Kurt highlighted how this approach aligns with Türkiye’s national vision. He continued:

“The Century of Türkiye vision put forward by our President, along with the goals for 2053 and 2071, represents the ideal of a strong, productive Türkiye with a significant voice in technology. The young people who will advance this great journey are those equipped with knowledge and competence in their professions. As Acıpayam Vocational School, we consider it our duty not to lag behind this journey, but to be fully part of it.”

Following the opening speech, Member of Parliament Cahit Özkan delivered the inaugural lecture of the academic year under the title “A Türkiye Free of Terrorism and a Vision for a Shared Future.” Drawing on historical examples, Özkan explained the importance of living together in peace and unity. He noted that the country had struggled against terrorism for many years and emphasized that the long-awaited peace was now being built. In a speech highlighting historical, sociological, and strategic perspectives, Özkan stated that Türkiye was now a strong country with the wealth and determination to shape the global vision, moving beyond the material and moral losses it had suffered.

Following the speeches, the PAU Youth Chamber Orchestra took the stage and offered participants an enjoyable musical experience.

Gifts and a plaque were presented to Member of Parliament Cahit Özkan in recognition of his participation and inaugural lecture at Acıpayam Vocational School. The presentations were made by Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aşçı, Dean of the Faculty of Science, and Prof. Dr. Ali Kurt, Director of the Vocational School.

Dr. Çağatay Şişman, conductor of the PAU Youth Chamber Orchestra, received his gift and certificate from Kürşad Kağan Ergün, Chief Public Prosecutor of Acıpayam. Gifts and certificates were presented to the orchestra members by Prof. Dr. Mustafa Türkan, Advisor to the Rector; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Numan Tekelioğlu, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Law; Kadir Hüseyin Okyay, AK Party District Chair; Ali Akgün, MHP District Chair; Serkan Coşa, Acting District Police Chief; and the Vocational School’s Deputy Directors, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hüsnü Ergün and Instructor Dr. Fatma Özge Özgen Öney.

Following the musical performance, the opening ceremony concluded with a group commemorative photograph and a meal.