The "Happy City Erzurum" initiative, which was initiated by Atatürk University as part of the Erasmus Plus International Education initiative, is designed to enhance the socio-cultural development of Erzurum and elevate the city's overall happiness.

Project Coordinator Prof. Dr. Abdulhak Halim Ulaş delivered the opening speech of the program in the Prof. Dr. Kemal Bıyıkoğlu Hall, which was attended by Atatürk University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Bülent Çavuşoğlu, Provincial Director of National Education Yakup Yıldız, academicians, and numerous students. Prof. Dr. Ulaş declared that the project will be implemented in collaboration with official and non-governmental organizations. He underscored the importance of the educational activities that will be conducted within this framework in enhancing the city's well-being.

After the inaugural speech, Prof. Dr. Bülent Çavuşoğlu, Vice Rector of Atatürk University, addressed the university's efforts to address the issues and progress of Erzurum. Çavuşoğlu emphasized the critical role that Atatürk University plays in regional development and asserted that projects of this nature significantly contribute to the establishment of sustainable city policies.

KKEF Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Zübeyir Saltuklu, Researcher and Writer Abdurrahman Zeynal, and Erzurum Women's Cooperative Board of Directors Chair Zeynep Şekerdağ Polat were among the speakers in the panel organized by Erdal Güzel on behalf of Erzurum Development Foundation (ERVAK). The panelists addressed the city's present issues and underscored the necessity of conducting socio-cultural activities to address them.

Diverse events that reflected the city's cultural diversity continued to mark the project's opening. The participants expressed their enthusiasm for the marbling workshop, Erzurum music concert, and photo exhibition, in addition to the traditional flavors of Erzurum cuisine that were introduced. The program concluded with optimistic messages from the participants regarding the city.

Corporate Communications Directorate – March 12, 2024