Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu, the Rector of Atatürk University, and his delegation conducted examinations and established numerous connections at Tortum Vocational School (VOC). A cooperation protocol was signed with the Northeastern Anatolia Development Agency (KUDAKA) during the visit, and the authorities provided information regarding the implemented and planned projects.

Significant Measures Are Being Implemented to Promote Cultural Values, Employment, and Education

Tortum Vocational School was the initial destination of the visit, which was accompanied by Vice President Prof. Dr. Yüksel Göktaş and Secretary General Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ufuk Okkay. Here, Rector Hacımüftüoğlu convened with the Director of the Vocational School, Assist. Prof. Dr. Hayrunnisa Mazlumoğlu, and the academic-administrative staff to assess the physical conditions, curriculum, and opportunities available to students. In order to preserve Erzurum's cultural heritage and boost employment in the region, a protocol was signed with KUDAKA subsequent to the visit.

The project will enhance the employment opportunities for women.

The Social Development Support Program (SOGEP) of the Ministry of Industry and Technology will support the implementation of the project "Let Women Work, Let Ehram and Ehram Cloth Dolls Be Produced" within the scope of the protocol.  Mazlumoğlu will serve as the coordinator for the project, in which Atatürk University Tortum Vocational School is the applicant. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zeynep Kırkıncıoğlu will be responsible for the design certification of the ehram cloth dolls that are manufactured.

In a statement, Rector Hacımüftüoğlu stated that the project's objective was to enhance employability by fostering local dynamics and to disseminate social entrepreneurship and social responsibility practices. He further stated, "This project, which we will implement in collaboration with the Tortum District Governorship, Tortum Municipality, and the Faculty of Fine Arts, is of significant importance to the region." We are optimistic that this endeavor will be advantageous, as it will preserve the cultural heritage of Erzurum and improve the employment opportunities for women.

Message of Support and Cooperation for the Future of Tortum

Rector Hacımüftüoğlu, who also inspected official institutions in the district, visited Tortum District Governor Fatih Bayram and Mayor Muammer Yiğider in their offices after his visit to Tortum Vocational School. During the visits, during which perspectives were exchanged regarding potential projects for the district's development, it was underscored that the university would persist in its scientific contributions to the region.

A excursion to the Tortum Women's Cooperative concluded Rector Hacımüftüoğlu's contacts in Tortum. The delegation, which was joined by female entrepreneurs, engaged in a discussion regarding the cooperative's operations and the potential for expanding the market for local products. According to Rector Hacımüftüoğlu, the university will persist in its support of initiatives that enhance the regional economy. He stated, "We are prepared to offer every conceivable assistance to any project that fosters women's entrepreneurship and promotes local products."

Hacımüftüoğlu expressed his hope that the visits and collaborations would be advantageous to Tortum, stating that Atatürk University will persist in its efforts to promote regional development.

11.02.2024 - Corporate Communications Directorate