One of Türkiye’s Leading Historians, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Şimşirgil, Visited PAU
Pamukkale University (PAU) hosted a meaningful program of great importance for the history of Denizli. Within the scope of the “Denizli National Struggle Day and Foundation Week Program” organized in cooperation with the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the General Directorate of Foundations, one of the country’s leading historians, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Şimşirgil, was hosted at PAU.
The opening speech of the program was delivered by Aydın Regional Director of Foundations Mücahid Vural. Beginning his speech with the words, “We Are the Heirs of a Culture That Says ‘We’ Instead of ‘I’,” Vural drew attention to the profound significance of Denizli National Struggle Day and Foundation Week coinciding in the same period, emphasizing that the flame of independence ignited by Mufti Ahmet Hulusi Efendi in Bayramyeri marked a turning point for these lands. Referring to the sharing spirit of foundation culture, which elevates social solidarity to the highest level, he expressed the importance of passing this heritage on to future generations.
Pamukkale University Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmud Güngör began his speech by greeting the family of our martyred hero Lieutenant Bekircan Kerek, after whom the hall where the meeting was held was named. He underlined the historical and noble stance behind Denizli not being occupied by enemy forces. Praising the nobility and national consciousness of university youth, Rector Güngör emphasized the vast knowledge of guest historian Prof. Dr. Ahmet Şimşirgil. He advised students to benefit from the professor’s knowledge to the fullest extent.
Beginning his speech by commemorating Martyr Bekircan Kerek with mercy, Denizli Provincial Mufti Abdullah Pamuklu shared with the audience the verse from the Qur’an regarding the sanctity of martyrdom. The most emotional moments of the speech were experienced when the historic “Sacred Jihad” fatwa declared by Mufti Ahmet Hulusi Efendi to the people of Denizli on May 15, 1919, was recited verbatim in the hall.
In the continuation of the program, renowned historian Prof. Dr. Ahmet Şimşirgil held a special talk addressing the history of Denizli National Struggle Day and Foundation Week. Following the talk, which was followed with great interest by the participants, protocol members presented certificates of appreciation and gifts to Prof. Dr. Ahmet Şimşirgil and those who contributed to the organization in recognition of their valuable contributions.