As part of the July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day events, our university hosted a meaningful event. Organized under the leadership of the Konya Technical University Career Center, with the support of our Directorate of Health, Culture, and Sports and our Corporate Communications Coordination Office, the event began with a dinner held in honor of the families of martyrs and veterans.
This special program, held in our university’s dining hall, was attended by our Rector, Prof. Dr. Osman Nuri Çelik, as well as our Vice Rector, Prof. Dr. Ali Köken; the Director of the Vocational School of Applied Sciences, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Altın; our General Secretary, Kamil Gök; the President of the Konya Martyrs’ Families Association, Recep Pekdemir; members of the Konya Families of Martyrs Association’s board of directors, relatives of martyrs, veterans, and a large number of academic and administrative staff.
“JULY 15 IS THE STRONGEST SYMBOL OF THE TURKISH NATION'S COMMITMENT TO ITS HOMELAND, ITS FLAG, AND DEMOCRACY.”
At the dinner event, which aimed to strengthen the sense of unity and solidarity, the sacred memories of the martyrs of July 15 were once again honored, and the country’s determination in the struggle for democracy and the importance of the will of the people were emphasized. Addressing the participants, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Osman Nuri Çelik, stated that July 15 stands as one of the strongest symbols of the Turkish nation’s unwavering commitment to its homeland, flag, and democracy. He thanked the families of the martyrs and the veterans and their families for honoring the event with their presence.
Following the dinner, attendees visited the “The Name of Victory is Turkey” themed photo exhibition, which opened in the foyer of our University’s Rectorate building. The exhibition, featuring photographs documenting the heroism and self-sacrifice displayed by our nation in thwarting the treacherous July 15 coup attempt, was viewed by participants with great interest and emotion.
The event provided all participants with deeply moving moments and once again underscored our resolute commitment to ensuring that July 15 remains forever alive in our nation’s collective memory.
A THANK-YOU NOTE TO OUR RECTOR FROM ŞİNASİ BULUT, THE FATHER OF A MARTYR
The father and mother of police officer Fırat Bulut—who was martyred in front of the General Staff Headquarters during FETÖ’s coup attempt—Şinasi Bulut and Rahime Bulut, traveled from Ankara to attend the program. Expressing their deep appreciation for the rector’s invitation and offering their thanks, Şinasi Bulut conveyed his longing for his son, saying, “I had three children; we gave one of them as a gift to the nation.” Fırat Bulut’s mother, Rahime Bulut, added, “Just like his name, Fırat would surge with passion for the nation, much like the Euphrates River.”
A MEANINGFUL GIFT FROM GAZI HÜSEYİN ÖZTÜRK TO OUR RECTOR
Hüseyin Öztürk, a veteran of the July 15 coup attempt, was another participant who traveled from Akşehir with his wife and children to attend the program. Veteran Öztürk thanked our Rector, Prof. Dr. Osman Nuri Çelik, for his kind invitation. He presented the rector with his poetry collection titled “ADAM,” which consists of poems recounting his struggle against the coup plotters in the streets of Istanbul.
Another July 15 veteran who participated in the program was Muhammet Emin Sergili, a security officer born in Konya. Veteran Muhammed Emin Sergili, who made a lasting impression with his courage at the TÜRKSAT complex where he was on duty during the July 15, 2016 coup attempt by the Fetullahist Terror Organization (FETÖ), toured the July 15-themed photo exhibition alongside our Rector. Sergili emphasized that the memory of July 15 has never faded.
This meaningful event, organized by our university, not only contributed to keeping collective memory alive and strengthening the spirit of national unity and solidarity but also served as a powerful expression of the fact that the families of the martyrs and our veterans will always hold a special place in the hearts of our nation.
