The Opening Ceremony of the 2026–2027 Academic Year in Higher Education, organized by the Council of Higher Education (CoHE), was held at the Beştepe National Congress and Culture Center with the participation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The ceremony brought together representatives from 208 universities across Türkiye, including Tarsus University Rector Prof. Dr. Ali Özen, as well as academic staff and students.

Addressing the ceremony, President Erdoğan wished for the new academic year to be fruitful and beneficial. He expressed his hope that students would gain new knowledge and experiences, academics would contribute to academic advancement through their scientific publications and research activities, and universities would build on their achievements with further accomplishments. In his speech, President Erdoğan also shared his assessments regarding the role of higher education in knowledge production, scientific research, innovation, and the development of a qualified human capital.

Following the remarks by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President of the Council of Higher Education Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar on the field of higher education, the 2026 Council of Higher Education Awards for Outstanding Achievement were presented to their recipients. The awards are given to encourage scientific research, projects, academic studies, and community service activities carried out at universities.

At the ceremony, Tarsus University Rector Prof. Dr. Ali Özen was accompanied by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sefa Özbek, Assist. Prof. Dr. Gamze Bozkul, Lecturer Dr. Banu Coşkun, and students Aybike Yurt, Sibel Paçal, Kunter Murat Erdağ, and Cihanay Kelkoca.

News: Information and Communication Office