A symposium entitled "Establishment of the Faculty of Theology, Liberation of Erzurum" was held to commemorate the 54th anniversary of the founding of the Atatürk University Faculty of Theology. The program was held in conjunction with the 106th anniversary of the liberation of Erzurum from hostile occupation and featured a meeting of historical and cultural importance.

 The panel, which began with a tour of the exhibition consisting of photographs of the Faculty of Theology from its founding years, was attended by Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mehmet Sekmen, Atatürk University Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu, Islamic Scholars Foundation President Prof. Dr. Nasrullah Hacımüftüoğlu, former Atatürk University faculty members who have undertaken important studies in the field of Islamic sciences, Prof. Dr. Yusuf Ziya Kavakcı and his wife Prof. Dr. Gülseren Gülhan Kavakcı, their daughters former ambassador and former MP Merve Kavakcı and Ravza Kavakcı Kan and their grandchildren, as well as Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Reyhan Keleş, Dean of the Faculty of Theology Prof. Dr. Muhammed Kızılgeçit, academicians and many students attended.


 "A Day of Significance at the Crossroads of Science and History"

 Prof. Dr. Muhammed Kızılgeçit, the Dean of the Faculty of Theology, delivered the opening speech of the program and conveyed his satisfaction with the opportunity to commemorate the 54th anniversary of the establishment of the Atatürk University Faculty of Theology and the liberation of Erzurum in tandem. Kızılgeçit emphasized that the faculty has made substantial contributions to academia and society since its inception, and that they are tasked with the responsibility of taking firmer steps towards the future while honoring the past.

 "Our most significant obligation is to maintain the legacy of science and wisdom."

 In his speech, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu, the Rector of Atatürk University, recalled that the faculty was established on March 12, 1971, as the Faculty of Islamic Sciences. Following the merger with the Erzurum Higher Islamic Institute in 1982, the faculty was renamed the Faculty of Theology affiliated to Atatürk University. Rector Hacımüftüoğlu asserted that the faculty continues to illuminate society through cultural and academic studies by maintaining the tradition of science and wisdom. He also noted that the commemoration of the liberation of Erzurum on the same day has a historical significance.

"Erzurum Has Retained Its Status as a Center of Science and Culture for Centuries"

 Rector Hacımüftüoğlu asserted that Erzurum occupies a significant position in the annals of civilization, stating that "historical structures such as Çifte Minareli Madrasa, Ulu Mosque, Yakutiye Madrasa, and Lala Paşa Mosque have preserved their status as the science and culture hub of our city for centuries." Theology faculties are not merely institutions that generate academic knowledge; they are also epicenters of wisdom and knowledge. Our faculty continues to operate in accordance with this objective.

 In addition, Hacımüftüoğlu underscored the significance of the liberation of Erzurum as a significant turning point that reflected the spirit of unity and solidarity of the Turkish nation. He stated, "On this occasion, I remember all our martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the independence of our city and our valuable academics who contributed to the development of this faculty with mercy, gratitude, and appreciation."

 Mayor Mehmet Sekmen of the Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality began his address by underscoring the significance of the Atatürk University Faculty of Theology. He stated, "Throughout its history, Erzurum has been the epicenter of science, wisdom, and heroism." In addition to commemorating the 106th anniversary of the liberation of our city, we are also marking the 54th anniversary of the establishment of the Atatürk University Faculty of Theology, which has made significant contributions to the field of science. This faculty is not merely an academic institution; it is a significant scientific hub that preserves the spiritual values of our nation and transmits its cultural heritage to future generations. I am certain that the prosperity of this faculty, which is in harmony with the deep-rooted civilization accumulation of our city, will continue to flourish. I extend my best wishes for success to all of our students and academics who have made contributions on this occasion.

 The panel was attended by prominent figures in the field of science.

 Prof. Dr. Nasrullah Hacımüftüoğlu, President of the Islamic Scholars Foundation, served as the session chairman of the panel. Prof. Dr. Yusuf Ziya Kavakcı, Prof. Dr. Lütfullah Cebeci, and Prof. Dr. Mustafa Ağırman, faculty members of the Faculty of Islamic Sciences at Ağrı İbrahim Çeçen University, were also present. In the panel, the faculty's academic voyage from the past to the present, its research in the field of religious sciences, and its vision for the future were all discussed.

 At the conclusion of the program, the participants were awarded certificates of appreciation, and significant messages regarding the academic and cultural pursuits of the Atatürk University Faculty of Theology were communicated. The panel concluded with a commemorative photograph.

 12.03.2025 - Corporate Communications Directorate