The Graduation Ceremony for the 2025-2026 Academic Year, organized by our Faculty, was held on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. in the 15 July Conference Hall. The ceremony began with a moment of silence and the Turkish National Anthem and was attended by our Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Gavgalı, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. İdris Nebi Uysal, Dean of the Faculty of Letters and faculty member of the Department of History Prof. Dr. Mehmet Mercan, academic and administrative staff, and many family members of the graduating students.

The graduation program continued with the screening of the university’s promotional film. Afterwards, Merve Günvar, the valedictorian of the Faculty of Letters from the Department of Turkish Language and Literature, delivered a speech on behalf of the graduating students.

Dean of the Faculty of Letters Prof. Dr. Mehmet Mercan highlighted the faculty’s development since its establishment and congratulated the graduating students on their achievements. Addressing the parents, he emphasized the vital role families play in their children's educational journey and thanked them for their support. Prof. Dr. Mercan stated that the faculty strives to educate students not only with academic knowledge but also as inquisitive, thoughtful, self-confident, articulate, responsible, and virtuous individuals. He expressed his belief that the graduates would achieve success in life and realize their goals through the education they had received.

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Gavgalı, also expressed his pleasure in sharing the excitement of graduation with the students and their families. Emphasizing that university education is not solely about acquiring knowledge, he noted that graduates leave the university having learned how to learn. Pointing out that knowledge, technology, and professions continuously evolve, Prof. Dr. Gavgalı stated that individuals who question, research, and ask the right questions will remain valuable in every era. Encouraging graduates to maintain their curiosity and continue reading throughout their lives, he expressed his confidence that they would contribute to society as individuals who value knowledge, culture, and critical thinking, regardless of the career paths they choose.

During the ceremony, the academic achievements of the Department of History students were also announced. Oğuzhan Tekinyer graduated as the top student of the Department of History and also ranked second in the Faculty of Letters. Şevval Uyur graduated as the department’s second-ranking student, while Yüksel İncegeliş ranked third.

The graduates were then invited to the stage one by one, where their graduation certificates were presented by the department’s faculty members. The graduation ceremony concluded with a group photograph session.

We congratulate all graduates of our Department and wish them continued success in their academic, professional and personal lives.