PAU Valedictorian Kevser Sertel stated the following in her speech:

“University education is not merely about acquiring knowledge; it is a profound journey that encompasses learning how to think, question, create, and most importantly, learning how to learn. The value of the diplomas we receive on this journey lies in the experience, effort, and intention we carry behind them. Contributing to the ideal of a Türkiye that advances with the light of science, reason, and conscience is not just a personal achievement—it is also a social responsibility. As young people, we are obliged to carry our country forward in science, technology, and human values, and we proudly embrace this duty.

Today, I stand here with the honor of graduating as the top student. But this achievement is never mine alone. On this stage are a mother’s prayers that stood firmly behind me all my life, a father’s hard-earned labor, the hope in my sibling’s eyes, and all the sacrifices of my family. While you gave up countless dreams so that your children could study, today, I have become the embodiment of your dreams.

I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to our esteemed professors who guided us with knowledge, understanding, and compassion, and to my dear friends with whom I shared laughter and success along this journey.

Today is not just a graduation—it is a gesture of gratitude, a tribute, and a new beginning. Each of us will go our own way, perhaps in different directions, but let the sense of effort and unity we carry within never fade. Congratulations on our graduation. May our paths always be illuminated by the light of reason and conscience.”

Rector Güngör: “As you build the Century of Türkiye, I ask you to be guided by justice, compassion, and science.”

Pamukkale University Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmud Güngör delivered the following remarks:

“Today, we are not only celebrating a graduation ceremony but also sharing the joy of a day that crowns perseverance, hard work, and success. On this significant day, as our university—now 33 years old—witnesses the graduation of its 2025 class and their transition into professional life, I feel deeply honored and proud to be part of this historic moment with all of you.

The lands of this homeland, entrusted to us through the national struggle led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades, and watered with the blood of our martyrs, rise upon the foundation of a civilization thousands of years old. You, our young graduates, have grown up on these ancient lands of Anatolia with the values passed down by our ancestors. Therefore, values such as justice, ethics, compassion, solidarity, and mutual support should not be regarded merely as words, but rather as the core pillars of your worldview.

I am fully confident that you will carry these values in your hearts as you graduate, that you will represent the noble and ancient spirit of this land wherever you go, and that you will be a beacon of hope for the oppressed.

As the Pamukkale University family, while we celebrate the graduations of our students today, we also reject the silence of conscience. Because across the lands once ruled by our ancestors—the geography of hearts—there are millions of young people deprived of the peace, welfare, and educational opportunities that we now enjoy.

This year, thousands of innocent young people in Gaza who were supposed to graduate have been brutally massacred and forced to abandon their dreams of education. Their books were buried under rubble, their classrooms destroyed, their teachers and professors killed. Gaza, once again, has not been able to hold a graduation ceremony.

We loudly declare here today that these relentless attacks are acts of genocide committed against the innocent and oppressed people of Palestine, and we condemn these heinous and merciless assaults in the strongest possible terms.

Elsewhere, in East Turkistan, our kin—the Uyghur Turks—are also facing systematic persecution. The cries of these voiceless victims must echo in every conscience.

Dear graduates, I wish you a bright path and lasting success. Never give up in the face of adversity. Know that you are never alone in your professional lives. Behind you stands the strength of the Pamukkale University family, the prayers of this great nation, and the support of the Republic of Türkiye.

As you take your place in building the Century of Türkiye, I ask you to let justice, compassion, and science be your guiding lights. I embrace you all with heartfelt affection and extend my deepest gratitude to all the distinguished guests who have joined us on this proud day. Stay well.”

Mayor Çavuşoğlu: “Continue to walk in the light of justice, freedom, science, and humanity. We will always stand by your side in the struggles you will undertake for our country.”

Denizli Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Bülent Nuri Çavuşoğlu said the following in his speech:

“Today, we are not only reaching the end of an educational journey, but also arriving at the threshold of a door filled with hope, opening to the future. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the esteemed parents who have always supported their children and stood by them throughout this journey, for all the sacrifices they have made.

Dear young people, you are the individuals who will build the future of this country. Do not lose hope in the face of the challenges that lie ahead. Remember that each new day brings with it a new opportunity and a new source of hope. The fact that we live as free individuals in this land today is thanks to the values inherited from Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades-in-arms. Their determination, love for the homeland, and unwavering belief in the future must always guide us.

We are the children of a nation that has overcome countless hardships throughout history. As we shape the future, we must strive not only for our own happiness, but also for the collective welfare of our country. Because we believe that true happiness only gains meaning when achieved together.

Dear graduates, you are now joining us as individuals who will shoulder the future of this nation. Continue to walk in the light of justice, freedom, science, and humanity. We will always stand by your side in the struggles you will undertake for our country in the years to come. From agriculture to tourism, from technology to the arts, take responsibility for contributing to the advancement of this nation in every field.

With this in mind, I wish you all a bright and prosperous future. May your paths be clear, and your fortunes be kind. In the footsteps of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, as modern and free individuals who uphold the values of the Republic, may you achieve many great successes. I salute you all with love and respect.”

MP Tin: “Following in Atatürk’s footsteps and under the leadership of our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, we will build a prosperous Türkiye together, where you can live and grow in better conditions.”

Denizli AK Party MP Şahin Tin stated the following in his speech:

“Dear professors and our esteemed Rector, you have educated our young people over a long period and prepared them for service to our nation. For this, I would first like to congratulate our esteemed faculty members.

Dear young people, with the prayers of your mothers and the hard work of your fathers, your families have made great efforts and sacrifices to support your education and send you here—to study, to learn, and to serve both yourselves and your country. The development and future of our nation are in your hands.

May God grant that, together with the new generations who love their homeland, their state, their nation, and their flag—and who walk in the footsteps of Atatürk—we provide valuable services to our country and our people. From now on, you will begin to shape your future in real life. At this very stage, the knowledge, science, and education imparted to you by your valuable professors will serve as a foundation for the contributions you will make to our nation.

We must develop technology; we must likewise advance science—because the world is currently in a state of great turmoil. Countries and continents are divided into blocs, and we are all witnessing conflicts around us. Therefore, we must build a strong country together—and God willing, we will succeed in doing so.

Dear young people, dear families: thanks to the efforts you have invested, we are here today to share in this joyful occasion with your children. Together with our graduates, we are celebrating a moment of collective happiness.

Dear graduates, the future rests on your shoulders. As Türkiye, we must be strong. As you can see, there are conflicts surrounding us on every side. In places like Palestine and Gaza, the oppressed suffer under tyranny. Wherever there are oppressed and victimized people in the world, we stand with them. We always dream of and support a world ruled by justice, peace, and freedom.

Our duty is always to prepare you—our precious youth—for the future, to clear your path, and to help take you further. That’s why these institutions of education are so important to us. In this regard, I extend my sincere thanks to our esteemed Rector and all our academic staff.

The future century of Türkiye rests on your shoulders. Together with you, we will carry it forward. We will work together to build a stronger Türkiye in every field—from agriculture and social development to health, education, and technology. And from now on, we will continue this journey together.

Following in the footsteps of Atatürk and under the leadership of our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, we will together build a prosperous Türkiye in which you will live and thrive under better conditions.

I congratulate all our graduates and entrust you all to God’s protection.”

Governor Coşkun: “Be exemplary not only in your profession but also in your humanity. Do not forget to temper knowledge with conscience and success with integrity.”

Denizli Governor Ömer Faruk Coşkun stated the following in his address:

“Today, we share the joy and pride of witnessing the graduation of the young individuals who have been nurtured with knowledge, effort, and hope at Pamukkale University. I am truly honored to be part of this beautiful moment.

Dear graduates, each of you has reached the end of a challenging yet profoundly valuable journey. This path has not only granted you a diploma but has also taught you to think critically, to question, to produce, and most importantly, to embrace the virtues of being human. Now, you stand at a new starting point. Every opportunity and challenge you encounter on your journey through life will shape you, strengthen you, and help you grow.

Never forget that this country has high expectations of you. Strive to be exemplary not only in your profession but also in your humanity. Do not neglect to blend your knowledge with conscience, and your achievements with ethics.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the families and esteemed professors. You guided, supported, and stood by your children every step of the way. You played a vital role in this success. We are grateful for your dedication.

Pamukkale University is a proud center of science and education for our city of Denizli. Every young graduate who leaves this institution will not only shape their own future but also contribute to the future of our homeland.

With these thoughts and feelings, I congratulate all our graduates. May your paths be clear, your fortunes bright, and your horizons ever expanding. I wish each of you a life filled with goodness, purpose, and success. With my sincerest love and greetings to you all.”

Graduation Certificates, Second Diplomas, and Plaques Presented by Protocol Members

Graduates who ranked among the top in the Faculties of Medicine and Dentistry were presented with their graduation certificates, second diplomas, and plaques by Denizli Governor Ömer Faruk Coşkun.

Graduates who ranked among the top in the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences received their graduation certificates, second diplomas, and plaques from Denizli Member of Parliament Şahin Tin.

Graduates who ranked among the top in the Faculties of Education, Technology, and Architecture and Design were presented with their graduation certificates, second diplomas, and plaques by Denizli Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Bülent Nuri Çavuşoğlu.

Top-ranking graduates from the Faculties of Tourism, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, and Sports Sciences received their graduation certificates, second diplomas, and plaques from President of the Denizli 1st Administrative Court, Mustafa Gültekin.

Graduates who ranked among the top in the Faculty of Applied Sciences and the Faculty of Theology were presented with their graduation certificates, second diplomas, and plaques by Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmud Güngör.

Top-ranking graduates of the Faculties of Engineering, Communication, and Law received their graduation certificates, second diplomas, and plaques from Pamukkale District Governor Uğur Bulut.

Graduates who ranked among the top in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Denizli Vocational School of Technical Sciences, and Honaz Vocational School were presented with their graduation certificates, second diplomas, and plaques by Merkezefendi District Governor Abdullah Demir.

Top-ranking graduates of Denizli Vocational School of Health Services, Acıpayam Vocational School, and Denizli Vocational School of Social Sciences received their graduation certificates, second diplomas, and plaques from Çameli District Governor Talha Tunahan Yıldırım.

Graduates who ranked among the top in Tavas Vocational School, Çivril Atasay Kamer Vocational School, and Buldan Vocational School were presented with their graduation certificates, second diplomas, and plaques by Senior Colonel Hıdır Ayçiçek, Commander of the Denizli Provincial Gendarmerie.

Graduates who ranked among the top in Kale Vocational School, Sarayköy Vocational School, and Çal Vocational School received their graduation certificates, second diplomas, and plaques from Merkezefendi Mayor Şeniz Doğan.

Top-ranking graduates of Bozkurt Vocational School, Bekilli Vocational School, and Tavas Vocational School of Health Services were presented with their graduation certificates, second diplomas, and plaques by Çameli Mayor Cengiz Arslan.

Graduates who ranked among the top in Çameli Vocational School and Serinhisar Vocational School received their graduation certificates, second diplomas, and plaques from Buldan Mayor Mehmet Ali Orpak.

The opening ceremony of the graduation events concluded with a group cap toss.

Throughout the four-day series of graduation ceremonies, graduates from various faculties and vocational schools will be sent off to begin their professional careers.

“Humanity Has Failed the Test – Long Live Free Palestine”

During the graduation ceremony of Pamukkale University’s Faculty of Theology, held on the first day of the university’s commencement week, graduates unfurled a banner reading, “Humanity has failed the test – Long live free Palestine,” in a show of solidarity with Palestine and East Turkestan.

Önür: “While children are dying in Gaza, justice platforms across the world are silent, and human rights podiums stand abandoned.”

In his speech, Ayhan Faik Önür, top graduate of the Faculty of Theology, expressed the following sentiments:

“Today, we gather here with the excitement of reaching the end of a five-year-long, intense and inspiring journey of knowledge. This journey has not only been an academic achievement for us, but also a passage into understanding life and responsibility. In 2020, during the very first year of our education, we were faced with the COVID-19 pandemic, and later, the devastating earthquake of February 6, 2023. Due to these events, we were compelled to continue our studies remotely. These extraordinary circumstances taught us patience, enhanced our sense of responsibility, and helped us recognize the value and impact of in-person education.

In these challenging times, we were tested not only through knowledge, but also through our humanity and solidarity. On this occasion, I pray for mercy for those who lost their lives due to both the pandemic and the earthquake, and I extend my heartfelt condolences to those left behind.

Our journey, which began with a strong foundation in Arabic during our preparatory year, matured us both intellectually and emotionally as we advanced through the core disciplines of theology. We engaged deeply with Quranic exegesis, Hadith, Islamic jurisprudence, and theology, as well as philosophy, psychology, and sociology. We successfully completed demanding midterms, finals, presentations, and assignments. Yet our concerns were not limited to our personal success; we were also confronted with the sufferings of the Muslim Ummah and our Turkic kin.

The Palestinian issue is not merely a current crisis; it is the continuation of a near-century-long occupation. What began with the declaration of the State of Israel in 1948 has since evolved into a systematic policy of massacre in Gaza and the West Bank since 1967. Since October 2023, it has become a full-scale genocide in Gaza. We are witnessing the brutal murder of more than 50,000 innocent people, the disappearance of thousands of children, and the destruction of hospitals and schools. And tragically, we face a global order that justifies this horror under the guise of ‘security.’

This year, no student in Gaza was able to celebrate graduation. The Ministry of Education in Gaza declared, ‘All of our students have been martyred,’ marking an end to the academic year. Children in Gaza have learned to dig through rubble instead of playing games. When asked, ‘What will you be when you grow up?’ they replied, ‘We, Palestinian children, do not grow up.’ These children are the mirror of humanity’s shame. Every time humanity looks into that mirror, it sees a conscience blinded by self-interest.

While children die in Gaza, justice platforms around the world remain silent, and human rights podiums are left deserted. The so-called civilized world is blind, deaf, and heartless. But let it be known that this vile silence will never cleanse the crimes committed. Israel’s name has been etched into history as a murderer of children, women, and civilians, and no diplomatic cover can hide this dark stain.

Oppression continues not only in Gaza and Palestine but also in East Turkestan. Our Turkic kin, whose language is Turkish and whose faith is Islam, are subjected to torture in prisons, and their native tongue is being silenced.

We are the children of both the Ummah and the Turkish nation. Our graduation gains meaning not merely through a diploma, but through the pursuit of justice. And we pledge: we will never forget the oppressed, nor will we ever forgive the oppressors!

I pray to Allah, the Almighty, to grant peace, patience, and victory to our brothers and sisters suffering under oppression around the world, and to never deprive us of the honor of being their voice and their prayer.

With these thoughts, I would like to conclude my speech by thanking my beloved family, my esteemed professors, the administrative staff of our faculty, and Pamukkale University for making all of this possible. Lastly, I wholeheartedly congratulate all of my fellow graduates, wish them health and success in their future lives, and extend my respectful greetings to you all.”