Prof. Dr. A. Halim Ulaş, an academician at the Kazım Karabekir Faculty of Education, visited Atatürk University President Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu and presented information regarding the "Happy City Project" that he had developed. The visit was conducted at the Rectorate Office, and Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Bülent Çavuşoğlu was also present.

Prof. Dr. Ulaş stated that the project, which is being conducted with the assistance of the Turkish National Agency within the Erasmus+ Program, is intended to enhance the social harmony of the city and promote Erzurum's cultural heritage on a global scale. The project, which is being executed in collaboration with a variety of collaborators from France, Poland, and Turkey, is designed to promote the city of Erzurum's thousands of years of cultural heritage and to enhance its quality of life.

Events are organised to foster a positive environment.

Within the "Happy City Project," events are organised in various regions of Erzurum to foster a positive ambiance in the city. These events are themed around communication, emotion management, the use of artificial intelligence, and beaming. The project's objective is to promote positive communication, empathy, and stress management. The residents of Erzurum are also enthusiastic about the initiative and are anxious to participate actively in the process.

According to Prof. Dr. Ulaş, the initiative is intended to transform Erzurum into a model city that fosters a society of contented individuals by aligning with the local dynamics of the city.

It is anticipated that Erzurum's cheerful city life model will serve as a global paradigm due to the international partnerships that have been established through the Erasmus+ Program. The objective of this initiative is to enhance the quality of life and promote the well-being of all residents of the city by integrating Erzurum's cultural heritage with a contemporary perspective on life.

The Vision of a New City Life

In his speech assessing the project, Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu stated, "The Happy City Project will not only showcase the cultural heritage of Erzurum, but it will also promote the social, emotional, and psychological well-being of the city's residents, thereby fostering a more tranquil lifestyle." This initiative is a significant stride towards transforming Erzurum into a "city of happiness" and provides a vision that will motivate not only the city of Erzurum but the entire globe.

Prof. Dr. Hacımüftüoğlu emphasised that the integration of Erzurum's historical and cultural assets with the contemporary global perspective on sustainable living and contentment is a highly beneficial endeavour. Additionally, he underscored the considerable innovation of utilising modern methodologies, including artificial intelligence, empathy, communication, and emotion management, to support the project.

CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTORATE - November 8, 2024