As part of an initiative launched by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) to examine the “Terror-Free Türkiye” process from a scientific and academic perspective, a conference entitled “Terror-Free Türkiye” was held at Tarsus University. The conference, hosted by Tarsus University, featured Çağ University Rector Prof. Dr. Murat Koç as the speaker, while the opening address was delivered by Tarsus University Rector Prof. Dr. Ali Özen.
Stating that universities are among the institutions that address societal issues from a scientific perspective, develop solutions, and contribute to building a shared future, Rector Özen emphasized in his speech that “strengthening our country’s peace, security, national unity and solidarity, and social cohesion are among the important issues that the academic community should reflect on and contribute to through its scientific knowledge and expertise. We consider it important to address the goal of a Terror-Free Türkiye on a scientific basis, taking into account its social, economic, legal, political, cultural, and security dimensions, and to evaluate it through the knowledge and expertise of different disciplines. The value of scientific studies conducted across different disciplines cannot be measured. I believe that our university will also contribute to the academic knowledge in this field through its academic studies, scientific activities, and social contribution initiatives.”
Drawing attention to the importance of preserving Türkiye’s unity and territorial integrity, as well as the contribution that the “Terror-Free Türkiye” goal could make to social cohesion and development, Rector Prof. Dr. Ali Özen emphasized that universities are environments where students from different cities come together, learn, produce knowledge, and prepare for the future side by side. Rector Özen stated, “In this respect, universities are also environments that foster brotherhood and solidarity. As Tarsus University, we consider it important to educate our young people as individuals who possess the knowledge and competencies needed to build the Türkiye of tomorrow, respect differences, conduct research, and produce knowledge. We carry out all our activities with this responsibility in mind.”
In his address at the conference, Çağ University Rector Prof. Dr. Murat Koç stated that one of the key challenges facing Türkiye is redirecting its resources from security-related expenditures toward development and strengthening its technological capacity. Drawing attention to Türkiye’s strategic geographical position in terms of energy corridors, natural resources, and maritime trade routes, Rector Koç noted that the permanent elimination of terrorism would enable the state to allocate its security-related resources and capabilities to strategic areas such as development and technology.
Emphasizing the importance of strengthening Türkiye’s strategic room for manoeuvre amid changing global power balances, Rector Prof. Dr. Murat Koç stated that this goal should also be considered within a broader social perspective, potentially leading to greater peace, stronger social solidarity, increased investment, advances in education and science, and more future opportunities for young people. Expressing his firm belief that the process was being conducted with due sensitivity and would be concluded in light of the state’s traditions and the thousand-year-old Turkish state tradition, Rector Koç stated, “The steps being taken are of great importance for our country’s development, social peace, and the future of our young people.”
Following the remarks delivered by Çağ University Rector Prof. Dr. Murat Koç, the conference concluded with Tarsus University Rector Prof. Dr. Ali Özen presenting him with a commemorative plaque and the participants taking photographs.
News: Information and Communication Office