The ceremony began with a moment of silence and the Turkish National Anthem, followed by the screening of the PAU promotional film and opening speeches.

 

Rector Güngör: “As Pamukkale University, we will have a voice on the international stage and conduct research contributing to our national technology initiative.”

PAU Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmud Güngör said: “As we begin a new academic year, we renew our commitment to the pursuit of truth, the transformation of knowledge into wisdom, and our ideal of adding value to humanity. A university is not only the brain of a nation but also its heart, conscience, and the strongest bridge to the future. Our goal is not merely to educate degree-holding individuals, but to raise generations who love their country, flag, and history; who are moral, wise, thoughtful, productive, and inquisitive. The light in each of your eyes is our most precious treasure. Our primary duty is to nourish this light with knowledge, wisdom, and virtue.

The era we live in is transforming at an unprecedented speed. Technology, artificial intelligence, and digitalization shape every aspect of our lives. Yet we must never forget: we are not merely participants in this change, but actors guiding it with our national and spiritual values. In our civilization, science is not just a pile of data produced in laboratories; it is wisdom molded with compassion, justice, and respect for human dignity. Standing with the oppressed and opposing the tyrant is not just a choice—it is a necessity dictated by our faith and humanity.

On this noble path, Pamukkale University will assert its presence internationally, conduct research contributing to national technological initiatives, raise innovative, enterprising, ethical, and patriotic youth, and contribute to universal science without losing our essence. I pray that this academic year will be a period marked by achievements worthy of our martyrs, guided by our national and spiritual values, driven by a passion for serving humanity, and sowing seeds of goodness, justice, and compassion in hearts. May this academic year be beneficial and prosperous for our university, nation, and all humanity. May your hearts never lack love, your minds never lack knowledge, and your speech never lack truth. God bless you. Thank you.”

 

Governor Coşkun: “Every step taken and every dream built at Pamukkale University will bring prosperity to these lands, strength to our country, and hope to humanity.”

Denizli Governor Ömer Faruk Coşkun remarked: “We are here today on the occasion of the opening of the 2025-2026 Academic Year of one of our country’s most established higher education institutions, Pamukkale University. Education plays an indisputable role in the civilization-building of a nation. Knowledge is the strongest light illuminating a nation’s future. Universities lead in nurturing and enhancing this light. Pamukkale University represents the productive spirit of our city, Denizli, which has historically thrived through labor and effort. Today, guided by science, technology, and innovation, the city continues this legacy under the leadership of PAU.

As we open the doors to a new academic year, we witness our youth being shaped into tomorrow’s scientists, artists, entrepreneurs, and leaders, building our future. Every step taken and every dream realized at our university will bring prosperity to these lands, strength to our nation, and hope to humanity. I wish this academic year to be successful. I extend my best wishes to all students pursuing knowledge, encouraging diligence and effort. In the second century of our Republic, we expect our youth to be aware of their goals, to be inquisitive, research-oriented, productive, and to harmonize the knowledge they acquire with our national and spiritual values. We believe that each young individual nurtured with this understanding will be a builder of Türkiye’s enduring future. I wish all our students exceptional success in the new academic year and hope they become beneficial individuals for our country and nation. I greet you all with respect and affection.”

 

Following the opening speeches, the program continued with the opening lecture titled “A Contemporary Proposal of Solitude: The ‘Kend’öz’ Concept and the Human Condition Today” delivered by Prof. Dr. İhsan Fazlıoğlu from Istanbul Medeniyet University.

 

Prof. Dr. Fazlıoğlu explained that the lecture was also a philosophical essay, addressing the meaning of establishing a personal stance in the contemporary era. He explored the concept of Kend’öz, rooted in Yunus Emre’s teachings during the destructive period of the Mongol invasions, and discussed how this concept can be adapted to modern times to reclaim eroded identities and selfhood.

 

The program concluded with the presentation of a gift to Prof. Dr. İhsan Fazlıoğlu in recognition of his contribution and participation.