Bursa Technical University (BTU) held its 2025–2026 Academic Year Commencement Ceremony. The ceremony was marked by excitement, pride, and happiness as more than 1,000 students from 27 departments received their diplomas. Congratulating all graduates, BTU Rector Prof. Dr. Naci Çağlar said, “We believe that the vision of the Century of Türkiye will be further strengthened by your minds, efforts, and hearts. The peace and justice that the world longs for will become a reality through a strong Türkiye that you will help build.”

The ceremony, held at the Mimar Sinan Campus, was attended by Bursa Governor Erol Ayyıldız; Bursa AK Party Members of Parliament Emine Yavuz Gözgeç, Ahmet Kılıç, and Mustafa Yavuz; Bursa Chief Public Prosecutor Mustafa Çelenk; Deputy Mayor of Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Osman Şahin; Yıldırım District Governor Metin Esen; Mudanya University Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kesik; AK Party Bursa Provincial Chairman Davut Gürkan; representatives of the provincial protocol, business community, and non-governmental organizations; and the graduates’ families. Delivering the opening address, BTU Rector Prof. Dr. Naci Çağlar said they were proud to graduate more than 1,000 students from 27 departments, adding, “Today, we are all filled with pride because this achievement is not merely the result of individual effort; it is the outcome of a shared dream built with patience and dedication.”

“Universities Are Representatives of the Universal Conscience”

Noting that students from 103 different countries are studying at BTU, Rector Çağlar said, “These students share the same campus and the same dreams. Unfortunately, however, humanitarian crises in different parts of the world cast a shadow over these hopes. Our Palestinian, Ukrainian, and East Turkistani students continue their lives with concerns about the future of their families. This situation reminds us of an important truth: when human rights become merely a tool for protecting the rights of the powerful or their allies, they lose their universal character. In this context, universities are not merely institutions that produce knowledge. They are also institutions that defend justice, uphold human dignity, pursue truth, and keep the universal conscience alive. We aim to educate our young people not only as individuals equipped with professional skills but also as individuals who respect human rights, prioritize justice, and do not remain silent in the face of injustice.”

“You Will Be the Leaders Who Shape the Future”

Emphasizing that graduation marks a turning point, Rector Çağlar said, “Today, we are sending each of you off to new lives and new beginnings. With the knowledge, skills, and experience you have gained at our university, you are well prepared for life. You will contribute to the development of our country and to the National Technology Initiative. As leaders who shape the future, you will contribute to Türkiye’s progress in science, technology, and production. We believe that the vision of the Century of Türkiye will be further strengthened by your minds, efforts, and hearts. We also believe that the peace and justice that the world longs for will become a reality through a strong Türkiye that you will help build.”

Rector Çağlar’s Advice to Students

Rector Çağlar also offered the graduates advice for their future, saying:

“Make technology and artificial intelligence part of your profession; however, let your original thinking always stay several steps ahead of them. Draw inspiration from others, but always have the final say yourself. In your professional lives, make a difference not only through your knowledge but also through your moral stance, ethical values, and social responsibility. Let our traditions and our national and spiritual values be your strongest guides as you move toward the future. Manage your time well, because time is the only thing you can never get back. Do not equate success with happiness. True happiness lies in those moments when you remain true to yourself and your values. Do not be afraid of making mistakes. Stay curious, be patient, persevere, and never lose your passions. Focus not on what life takes from you, but on what you contribute to life. No matter what happens, always remain committed to honesty and integrity. May your hearts be filled with hope, and may your path and your future be open and bright. May God protect and guide you.”

Governor Erol Ayyıldız: “You Will Assume Responsibility for Our Country”

Bursa Governor Erol Ayyıldız expressed his pleasure at sharing the joy of the 2025–2026 Academic Year graduation with the students and their families and congratulated all graduates and their families. Noting that Bursa Technical University has achieved significant success in a short period despite being a young university, Governor Ayyıldız said that the university makes a strong contribution to the future by educating highly qualified young people.

Emphasizing that universities are not merely institutions that provide education for employment, Governor Ayyıldız noted that university education is an important process that prepares individuals for life. Stating that graduation is not an ending but a new beginning, Governor Erol Ayyıldız said, “I sincerely believe that BTU is educating our young people in the best possible way. I congratulate all our graduates and their devoted families. We have confidence in you, our young people, who will assume responsibility for our country in the future.”

MP Kılıç: “BTU Graduates Will Add Value to Our Country”

Speaking at the commencement ceremony, Bursa AK Party Member of Parliament Ahmet Kılıç stated that Bursa Technical University has grown stronger each year through its vision as an innovative state university and expressed his belief that the graduates would make significant contributions to the future of Türkiye and the world. Noting that the world needs compassionate and highly qualified individuals more than ever, MP Kılıç emphasized that the students educated at BTU with this understanding would add value to the country.

Following the opening speeches, a plaque was presented to Aksel Kazak, the valedictorian and a student in the Department of English Translation and Interpreting at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, by Bursa Governor Erol Ayyıldız, BTU Rector Prof. Dr. Naci Çağlar, and all protocol members. Aksel Kazak, who graduated as the valedictorian with a GPA of 3.88, described graduation as a special turning point marked by both excitement and a sense of bittersweetness and thanked everyone who had contributed to his education, particularly his family and professors.

The ceremony continued with the presentation of plaques to students who ranked among the top graduates of their respective faculties. The graduates then took their places on stage by department. Bursa Technical University’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony concluded as more than 1,000 students graduating from five faculties and 27 departments celebrated by tossing their graduation caps into the air.