Embarking on journeys in diverse fields, our students have reached this significant milestone through hard work and dedication. After a long and rewarding academic journey, we celebrated the graduation of future lawyers, architects, engineers, artists, scientists, entrepreneurs, and leaders. The graduation ceremony for our 2023–2024 associate and undergraduate students was held on July 9, 2024, at the Haliç Congress Center, with the participation of over 4,000 attendees, making for a joyous and memorable event.
The ceremony began with a moment of silence to honor the memory of our nation’s martyrs, followed by the recitation of the Turkish National Anthem.
Looking to the Future with Hope
Representing all 2023–2024 academic year graduates, Merve Demirhan, the top graduate of our Arabic Language Teaching Program, delivered a heartfelt speech:
"Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakıf University has taught us not only academic knowledge but also the importance of being human. As we step into the future, equipped with these values, we will carry the memories we’ve made here in our hearts. Being part of this great family that our university has offered us is a lifelong honor. Yet, I know that every moment we spent here was a beginning, and with this beginning, we look to the future with hope. On this special day, I express my gratitude to everyone who has been part of this journey and bid farewell with my warmest wishes."
Our international graduates, who greatly enrich our university, are celebrated for their achievements as they prepare to embark on impactful journeys across the globe.
The Rector’s Address
Expressing pride in graduating 1,590 students, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Nevzat Şimşek, stated:
"At Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakıf University, we have not only equipped our students with academic knowledge but also strived to instill ethical values, love for humanity, and a sense of service to society that will guide them throughout their lives."
Prof. Dr. Şimşek addressed the graduates with inspiring advice:
"Graduation is not an end but a beginning. Continue to research, question, and learn; always strive for better and remain open to innovation. On this journey, the doors of our university will always be open to you, and we will always stand by your side. I am confident that with the education you have received, you will achieve great successes, represent our university and our country in the best possible way, and contribute to overcoming global challenges while promoting equality and justice."
Solidarity with the Oppressed
In his address, Prof. Dr. Şimşek also drew attention to the injustices faced by various communities around the world, particularly in East Turkestan and Palestine. His poignant remarks resonated deeply with the audience:
"This year, tens of thousands of Palestinian students could not graduate. Students, academics, and thousands of innocent people lost their lives. Today, I once again remember them with reverence and pray for their peace. I sincerely hope that the genocide faced by the Palestinian people comes to an end as soon as possible."
A Message from the Chairman of the Board of Trustees
The Chairman of our Board of Trustees, Mevlüt Uysal, also addressed the attendees, expressing his unwavering belief in our graduates’ ability to excel in their fields with the education they received at FSMVU:
"Today, you are starting a new chapter in life. We believe that, thanks to you, the world will be a better place. Your diplomas will serve as a key to solving the challenges you encounter. We are confident that you will use the education you received at Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakıf University to achieve the best for our country and humanity."
Caps in the Air!
Following the opening speeches, the top graduates of each program were invited to the stage to receive their diplomas and awards. Subsequently, all students were individually called to the stage to receive their diplomas. The graduation ceremony concluded with the iconic cap-throwing ritual on the shores of the Golden Horn, surrounded by family, loved ones, and university members.
