Academics, local administrators, and representatives of the legal community attended the opening ceremony of the “Parliamentary Simulation” organized by the Pamukkale University Faculty of Law.

In the opening speech of the program, Dean of the Faculty of Law Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Aliyar Demirci stated that the simulation offered an important opportunity for the professional development of students. Demirci expressed that legal education is not limited only to technical knowledge, but should also be complemented by a culture of speech and negotiation skills. Addressing the students, he gave the message, “Democracy gains meaning through respectful and meaningful speech.” He also advised young people to continue their reading habits and constantly improve themselves.

“The Future Administrators Are in This Hall”

In her speech, Merkezefendi Mayor Şeniz Doğan emphasized the importance of student communities taking active roles. Stating that the parliamentary simulation was valuable for young people in understanding governance processes, Doğan said, “The future members of parliament and mayors are in this hall today.” Sharing examples from her local government experiences, Doğan underlined that the concept of justice forms the foundation of social life.

Bar Association President Kök Reminded Students to Remain Committed to Ethical Values in Their Professional Lives

Denizli Bar Association President Attorney Ufuk Kök stated that the legal profession requires not only knowledge but also responsibility and solidarity. Emphasizing that being a lawyer is a struggle for the pursuit of rights, Kök called on young people to remain committed to ethical values in their professional lives.

Rector Güngör: “Law Begins with Empathy”

Speaking at the program, Pamukkale University Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmud Güngör stated: “The parliamentary simulation event begins first with local governments through its inclusiveness, and its peak is the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye. Our students, as representatives of the nation, will reach positions where they will contribute to the solution of problems. Especially through the parliamentary simulation event, you will reach results that will shed light on solutions to every problem in life with the knowledge you have received from your professors and your own accumulation.”

Deputy Özkan: “Today, Rather Than a Simulation, We Are Paying Tribute to the Parliament of the Future”

Speaking at the program, Denizli Deputy Cahit Özkan emphasized that the parliamentary simulation should not be seen merely as a theoretical exercise. Referring to the importance of concepts in his speech, Özkan stated that although the concept of simulation is meaningful, it remains insufficient, and said, “Today, rather than a simulation, we are paying tribute to the parliament of the future.” Stating that the words “you will be the administrators of the future” have now become reality, Özkan said that young people should adapt to this process more quickly. Giving examples from history, Özkan drew attention to leaders who assumed great responsibilities at a young age and stated that students also have similar potential. In the continuation of his speech, Denizli Deputy Cahit Özkan emphasized the importance of young people taking more active roles in politics and decision-making mechanisms and underlined that young people should be represented more in parliament.

The opening program ended with the students collectively taking the parliamentary oath.

Within the scope of the parliamentary simulation, which began after the opening speeches, it was planned for students to experience legislative processes through commission and general assembly activities.