With the contributions and leadership of our Department Faculty Members, the Symposium of Personalities Adding Value to Burdur was organized at our University between May 23-26, 2024.
The opening of the "Symposium of Personalities Adding Value to Burdur," which introduced important figures contributing to Burdur's cultural and historical heritage, was held. The symposium, held at Lavanta Tepesi Hotel, began with a musical performance by Turkish Music State Conservatory students Yunus Gürkan Avcar and Halil Ardıç, accompanied by kabak kemane and sipsi.
The symposium was attended by Burdur Governor Türker Öksüz, Mayor Ali Orkun Ercengiz, Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar and Management Team, Civil Society Organization Representatives, important personalities of Burdur, academicians, and students.
The symposium, organized to reveal and keep alive Burdur's rich history and cultural heritage, began with a musical performance by Turkish Music State Conservatory students Yunus Gürkan Avcar and Halil Ardıç, accompanied by kabak kemane and sipsi, and the screening of a promotional film prepared by MAKÜ Corporate Communication Application and Research Center Directorate.
Then, Symposium Organizing Committee Chairman and Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Tekşen delivered the opening speech. Tekşen emphasized that Burdur has raised many valuable personalities throughout history, saying, "As MAKÜ, we are researching these valuable names. These studies will greatly contribute to Burdur's cultural life," he said.
Prof. Dr. Sevinç Aliyeva from the Azerbaijan Language Commission emphasized the unity of the Turkish world, saying, "I came as a victorious Azerbaijani. I am proud to be Turkish. We will always uphold the values of Atatürk and Heydar Aliyev," she said.
Universities Are Responsible for the Culture and Education of the City They Are Located In
Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar emphasized in his speech at the symposium that MAKÜ operates with the motto "from universal knowledge to social contribution." Dalgar stated that universities should contribute to the culture and education of the city they are located in and expressed that they work in close cooperation with stakeholders such as the Ministry of National Education, the Mufti's Office, the press, and the chamber of commerce.
Rector Dalgar stated that the symposium addressed the personalities who added value to Burdur and that these values were shared through scientific presentations. Dalgar announced that 70 different papers would be presented at the symposium and that a permanent web page was created to archive these papers. He explained that a referee committee consisting of scientists would continue to add personalities who add value to Burdur to the list based on suggestions.
Rector Dalgar stated that MAKÜ is one of only 20 universities in Turkey that has earned a full institutional accreditation for 5 years, expressing that this achievement is a source of pride for Burdur. Dalgar said that MAKÜ has started to achieve good rankings in world university rankings and emphasized that the university's reputation is important for everyone in Burdur.
Finally, Dalgar thanked the philanthropists who donated to the university, stating that the university's land is so extensive thanks to the contributions of the BURYÖV Foundation. Dalgar said that they invited the philanthropists who built schools or buildings for the university to the symposium, saying, "The founders and managers of BURYÖV at that time, people of heart, brought this land to our university. I would like to express our gratitude to the valuable management of BURYÖV, who pioneered the establishment of our university, and to our philanthropists who donated buildings. On this occasion, I would like to thank our valuable fellow citizens who have contributed in every way, big or small, to the development of our university. While commemorating the personalities who left a mark on the memory of our city at the Symposium of Personalities Adding Value to Burdur, I also express our gratitude to our self-sacrificing philanthropists who contributed to the development of our university," he said.
Burdur Mayor Ali Orkun Ercengiz drew attention to the city's 8,000-year history, saying, "Burdur is a city that has formed Turkish traditions and its unique culture. We will continue to keep alive many important names and places, from Fakir Baykurt to Piribaşlar Mansion," he said.
Governor Türker Öksüz emphasized the importance of recognizing those who add value to Burdur's rich historical and cultural heritage. "Today, we have gathered here to commemorate, honor, and get to know more closely the personalities who have added value to Burdur's rich history and cultural heritage," he said.
During the 3-day symposium, many valuable names such as Fahrettin Altay from World War I to Burdur Deputy, Burdur Deputy Mehmet Akif Ersoy, Neriman Şimşek Mıhladız, Mustafa Şeref Bey, Halil Hulusi Efendi, Derviş Mehmed Pasha, Mustafa Efendi, Martyr Pilot Lieutenant Ayfer Gök, Fakir Baykurt, İbrahim Kafesoğlu, Elmalılı Muhammed Hamdi Yazır, Artillery Sergeant Halil İbrahim Günaydın, Abdullah Aşçı will be commemorated.
