Our President Prof. Barış Tan Joins Republic Day Celebrations and Republic Festival on Campus

On October 29, 2025, Prof. Barış Tan, President of Özyeğin University, joined OzU members to celebrate the 102nd anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye.

The ceremony began with a wreath-laying ceremony in front of the Atatürk Memorial on campus. Following a moment of silence and the national anthem, Prof. Tan addressed the attendees with heartfelt remarks: “With every passing year, I find it “increasingly difficult to describe” just how profound and invaluable Atatürk’s legacy is for our nation. Yet, as Özyeğin University, we take pride in the fact that this very “challenge” is itself a source of immense honor. It is a testimony of our deep commitment to upholding the values and legacy that our Great Leader entrusted to future generations. Atatürk wanted us to always look forward, to work harder, to create more, to be ethical and useful individuals for our community. As he once said, ‘The Republic, with its new and solid foundations, has not only placed the Turkish nation on a secure path toward a safe future, but also heralded an entirely new life through the sense of confidence it instilled in minds and spirits.’ As members of the OzU community who truly recognize the value and significance of this new life, we will continue with unwavering commitment, hope, love, and unity to honor and preserve the legacy of our founding father, with the same enduring passion that has inspired us for 102 years.”

On October 30, Prof. Tan also joined the Republic Festival organized by the Atatürkist Thought Club. Graced by the heartfelt pride and unity of the OzU community, the event began with the traditional Republic Day Procession. After the moment of silence and the national anthem, President Prof. Tan once again addressed the participants, expressing his gratitude: “I am confident that we will continue to elevate the Republic of Türkiye — which Atatürk called his ‘greatest work’ — through your ideals and aspirations”.

The Republic Day Festival continued with live music performances, traditional zeybek and waltz dances, and delicious offerings prepared by OzU Cuisine.