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Işık University Celebrated Its 30th Anniversary with a Ceremony and Symphonic Concert

Işık University celebrated the 30th anniversary of its establishment with a special program organized with the participation of administrators of the Feyziye Schools Foundation, as well as academic and administrative staff.

The opening speeches were delivered by Acting Rector Prof. Dr. Serhat Koloğlugil and Chairman of the Board of Trustees Mehmet Serdar Sarıgül. The ceremony was attended by Zeynep Sezerman, Secretary General of the Board of Directors of the Feyziye Schools Foundation; Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees Necdet Şenkal; Deputy Chairman of the Honorary Board of the Feyziye Schools Foundation Said Akçura; Members of the Board of Directors Kamil Özkartal, Arzu Akçura, and Hülya Neşe Çubukçu; and Murat Erbelger, Member of the Board of Trustees of Işık University. At the ceremony, service plaques were presented to academic and administrative staff who have contributed to the development of the university over many years.

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Işık University, 30 olive saplings were presented to the university by the Feyziye Schools Foundation. Speaking at the ceremony, Zeynep Sezerman, Secretary General of the Board of Directors of the Feyziye Schools Foundation, stated that the olive tree, which symbolizes peace, wisdom, rootedness, and sustainability, is a lasting symbol of Işık University’s journey into the future, built on the strength it draws from its past.

Following the ceremony held at the Youth Camp, the Işık University 30th Anniversary Celebration Concert was held. Award-winning young artists from the SUNART-IST International Piano Competition gave the audience an unforgettable musical experience with their piano performances accompanied by a symphonic orchestra. Some of the works in the concert program were performed with a symphonic orchestra for the first time in Türkiye.

The musical direction of the concert was led by Prof. Dr. Fazıl Orhun Orhon, conductor of the Başkent University State Conservatory Symphonic Orchestra, as well as an artist and academic. The closing performance of the evening was given by Kyrgyz State Artist Tolga Arakeev. Organized in collaboration with SUNART-IST Academy, the concert became a meaningful and special occasion celebrating Işık University’s 30-year journey in education, science, and art through the universal language of music.

Looking back on 30 years, Işık University expressed its gratitude to all academics, staff, students, alumni, and stakeholders who have contributed to the university’s development since its establishment, and once again emphasized its goal of continuing for many more years under the same values and the same light.