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The graduation ceremonies held at our university following the conclusion of the 2025-2026 academic year were celebrated with great enthusiasm. During the ceremonies, which took place from June 15 to 18, 2026, at the South Campus Green Area, our graduates received their diplomas and took pride in successfully completing their undergraduate studies.

The Opening Ceremony, held on Monday, June 15, 2026, was attended by Associate Minister of Youth and Sports Assoc. Prof. Dr. Safa Koçoğlu Gürsoy, our Rector Prof. Dr. Gülfettin Çelik, Istanbul Deputy Governor Hasan Gözen,  our Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Yaşar Bülbül, Prof. Dr. Nuriye Akbay, and Prof. Dr. Fatih Sarıoğlu; Yüksel Çelik, District Governor of Ümraniye; our Secretary General Ali Ramazan Tak; our deans; our faculty members; our graduating students; and their families.

​“Young people who can take on the responsibility of building a more beautiful, more livable world are being raised here.”

The ceremony, which began with official speeches, featured remarks by our Rector, Prof. Dr. Gülfettin Çelik, who noted that our university was founded on the principle that “a university is a civilization” and aims to raise generations that will elevate the world to a more humane and livable level, based on the balance and order existing in the universe. Emphasizing that graduation is not merely the end of an educational phase but also a milestone certifying that students are prepared to face life’s challenges, Çelik defined the diploma as a symbol of responsibility that goes beyond professional competence.

Highlighting our university’s success on a global scale, our Rector noted that with 18,500 students and 1,250 faculty members, they have taken significant steps in hundreds of areas. “Young people capable of taking on the responsibility of building a more beautiful, more livable world are being raised here,” he said, reiterating his faith in the potential of the graduates. In his advice to the young graduates, our Rector emphasized the need to experience life in all its four dimensions, stating, “It is you who will make this world better or worse.” He assured them, “Just as we have been in the past, Istanbul Medeniyet University will always be by your side in the future,” pledging continued support even after graduation.

Hasan Gözen, Deputy Governor of Istanbul, who spoke next, emphasized that graduation is the result of the hard work young people have put in over the years and highlighted the importance of sharing this joy with their families. In his speech, Gözen noted that the university’s name, “Medeniyet” (Civilization), aligns with the goal of reaching a contemporary level of civilization. Addressing the students, he stated that they are the generations who will carry this journey of civilization to even higher stages. Expressing the necessity of upholding historical and traditional civilizational values with the words, “We must bring justice, equality, peace, brotherhood, tranquility, and happiness back to the world,” Gözen emphasized that our students must take on this responsibility. Referring to global developments and injustices, Gözen highlighted the importance of preserving unity and solidarity. Wishing the young people success in their future lives, he expressed his hope that the students—who represent both the present and the future of the country—would stay away from all forms of evil and achieve outstanding success.

Finally, Associate Professor Dr. Safa Koçoğlu Gürsoy, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, took the floor and noted in her speech that graduation is a turning point where the fruits of years of hard work are reaped, and where new goals, new responsibilities, and new dreams begin. While wholeheartedly congratulating each graduating student, she emphasized that this success is not solely the students’ achievement but a shared success of their families—who have dedicated years of effort, shared their excitement, and stood by them through hardships—as well as their dedicated faculty members. In particular, he defined a diploma as a symbol of value that represents not only a student’s success but also a mother’s prayer, a father’s hard work, and a family’s patience.

During the presentation ceremony that followed the official speeches, our graduates celebrated the pride of a long educational journey by receiving their diplomas on stage from our faculty members.

Graduation ceremonies, a symbol of the hard work demonstrated throughout the academic year, were held with the participation of our students, their families, and our faculty members. Over the course of the four-day events, our students graduating from our faculties and departments shared the pride of successfully completing their academic careers.

We congratulate our graduates and wish them success in their professional careers. We also extend our gratitude to our valued faculty members, who played a major role in our students’ development, and to their cherished families, who never hesitated to offer their support at every stage.

You can view photos from the 2025–2026 academic year graduation ceremonies here.