The celebrations began with a marching band parade at Gölbahçe and continued with a vibrant gathering held on the Kınıklı Central Campus. The event brought together PAU's senior administration, academic and administrative staff, and student clubs. Following the parade, the opening ceremony took place at the festival area in front of the Rectorate building, where participants observed a moment of silence and sang the Turkish National Anthem. The ceremony then proceeded with opening speeches.

Rector Prof. Dr. Güngör: “In planning these events, we were mindful of our national and spiritual values, as well as the meaningful legacy entrusted to us by our ancestors.”

In his speech, Rector Güngör stated:
“I am honored and delighted to share with you the excitement of launching our 2025 Spring Festivities. This special occasion reflects the vibrant spirit of our university, the energy of our youth, and the richness of our collective experience. PAU is not only a center of knowledge and science but also a family—formed by students, faculty, and staff who are united through love, solidarity, and shared values.

Currently, our university is home to approximately 32,700 students, actively engaged in 202 student clubs. These clubs provide spaces for students with diverse interests to come together, exchange ideas, and gain new experiences. Each club functions like a family—collaborating toward shared goals and fostering a strong sense of community. Today, we are gathered here with 43 of these clubs showcasing their work at event stands. These stands are more than exhibition spaces—they are warm, inclusive environments where students express themselves and form new connections.

As we organized these events, we placed great emphasis on upholding our national and moral values and the profound legacy left by our forebears. We trust that all members of our university community will embrace this responsibility with the same awareness. As inheritors of this great legacy, we bear significant duties—not only to our homeland, which spans 783,000 square kilometers and its surrounding maritime territory, but also to the wider geography shaped by our historical ties across three continents.

It is impossible for us to remain indifferent to the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people, which continues to leave deep emotional scars and profound sorrow in our hearts. I would like to take this opportunity to once again express, in the strongest terms, our solidarity with our oppressed and innocent brothers and sisters in Palestine. I also invite all of you to participate in our Days of Brotherhood and Solidarity, to be held on May 12–14, to voice our support and extend a helping hand.

Finally, I hope that these festivities will offer enriching experiences to all and serve to renew and reinforce the moral, human, national, and spiritual values that have been passed down to us. I sincerely thank all student clubs, organizers, and esteemed participants. Together, I truly believe we will build a stronger, more successful, and more compassionate future.”

Following the opening speeches, the program continued with a traditional Zeybek folk dance performance by the PAU Folk Dance Society. The festivities were further enlivened by an air show from the PAU Aviation Club.

On the first day, a range of events were held, including “Yerden Yüksek” games, Hıdırellez celebrations, and concerts by Dış Güçler and Deniz Yıldızı. The five-day program includes a diverse set of activities such as talks, conferences, Colorfest, folk and contemporary dance performances, a poetry competition, concerts, sports tournaments, and various other recreational and competitive events designed for students.

For the full event schedule, please visit:
https://www.pau.edu.tr/sks/tr/haber/2025-yili-bahar-etkinlikleri