Presidency's Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran addressed young people at the Ibn Haldun University Graduation Ceremony.
Speaking at the Graduation Ceremony held at Ibn Haldun University's Başakşehir Campus, Head of Communications Duran said that the university, where he himself had taught for a while, had quickly become institutionalised and attained an important position.
Stating that he was wholeheartedly convinced that the graduates would struggle for a prosperous and strong Türkiye and for making the world a better place, Head of Communications Duran said that the university, acting with the mission of preparing for the future, has a structure that surrounds itself with the sciences of the modern world.
Indicating that a speech made from the same podium a century ago might have been framed differently, Head of Communications Duran said, "If I were delivering this speech a century ago, I would probably have spoken about how the accumulated knowledge of humanity was the exclusive preserve of Western civilisation and that all people ought to follow the path to modernity charted by Western civilisation. I would have spoken about what Türkiye's experience of modernisation should entail, and I would say that Western civilisation is universal and that we need to adopt that knowledge."
Head of Communications, Duran, emphasised that a different understanding has emerged today and continued as follows:
"Today, as I speak from this podium, I see that Ibn Haldun University is training bright young people with this awareness: Türkiye is pointing to an experience of forging one's own modernity. We are talking about an experience that sets its own course in making sense of the world and preparing for the future, and that tells its story to all humanity by saying, 'A fairer world is possible.' We are talking about an institution that can offer alternatives, see the problems the international system is experiencing and produce remedies for them, and, more briefly, has something to say to humanity."
Expressing that, as someone who graduated from university in the early 1990s, he sees today’s young people as quite fortunate, Head of Communications Duran said, "Because in my world, Türkiye was in the midst of many political and economic crises, and it was a world in which the Cold War had only just come to an end. There was talk of the dominance of the Western world. There was talk of the dominance of the liberal world, and the end of history was being proclaimed."
Noting that those bleak years for Türkiye and the Middle East were now behind them and that an entirely different era had dawned, Head of Communications Duran continued:
"Thanks to the experience Türkiye has gained over the past 25 years and under the leadership of our President, we have reached a point where Türkiye is able to foster stability in its own region, ensure security and have a say on the world stage; we are now pursuing a different path. Here, Ibn Khaldun's vision, as the founder of the social sciences, is reflected today at Ibn Haldun University and in the eyes of those who champion it. This reflection is not only a response directed at Türkiye but also one that speaks to the whole world. I think we cannot be proud of this enough."
Stating that the world is moving toward a multipolar structure, Head of Communications Duran said, "But what are these poles? What kind of relationship exists between them? We are far from determining this. In this world, we need a line that can show us the truth. I think the graduates of Ibn Haldun University aspire to this line. In the same way, as Türkiye, we must make our voice heard on the world stage and strive to bring about a fairer world."
Referring to Türkiye's stance on international issues, Head of Communications Duran said, “It is not a coincidence that Türkiye is the country raising the loudest voice against the genocide in Gaza and that Türkiye is an actor that seeks to halt hostilities and, rather than taking sides in wars, prioritises security and cooperation."
Head of Communications Duran stated that graduates should leave the university not only with their diplomas but also with values that will guide them.
"May your hearts be open to all oppressed regions, from Gaza to Africa and Rakhine"
Head of Communications Duran pointed out five values that graduates should take with them, stating, “These values are commitment to the truth, compassion for humanity, perseverance in work and a sense of responsibility, aesthetic and cultural awareness, and loyalty to the past and faith in the future.”
Head of Communications Duran, who began by focusing on the concept of ‘commitment to the truth’, told the students: "I hope that your knowledge will lead you not to the applause of the crowd, but to the path of justice and truth. We live in an age where lies spread faster than ever, where perception takes precedence over truth, and where the line between right and wrong is deliberately blurred. In such an age, be a solid barrier in front of every war waged against truth. Be witnesses to the truth with your pen, your words, your stance, and your knowledge."
Drawing attention to the concept of ‘compassion for humanity’ as the second value, Head of Communications Duran said, “Whatever position you hold, whatever profession you are in, and whatever country you are in, always put human dignity above all else. May your hearts be open to all oppressed regions, from Gaza to Africa and Rakhine. Wherever there is the tear of an orphan, the cry of an oppressed person, or trampled human dignity, let your conscience be present there as well."
Head of Communications, Duran, also commented on perseverance in work and a sense of responsibility and said, “Great achievements are built not so much on grand words as on small but determined efforts repeated day after day. Do not settle for simply working very hard; instead, grow your work with a sense of being entrusted and a sense of responsibility. Let us combine our knowledge with justice, our strength with compassion, our success with humility, and our position with a commitment to service."
Speaking on aesthetic and cultural awareness, Head of Communications Duran remarked: “Cultural power becomes visible in language, literature, architecture, urbanism, music, cinema, the digital world, everyday life and the relationship between people and objects."
Head of Communications Duran, who called on young people to develop their own styles in the fields of culture, art, thought, and communication, said: “That is why I hope you will build your voice, your style, and your own sense of beauty in culture, art, thought, communication and digital media.”
Finally, commenting on the concept of ‘loyalty to the past and faith in the future’, Head of Communications Duran said, "It is about keeping alive the prayers of your family, the efforts of your teachers, the wisdom of these lands, the centuries-long journey of our nation, and the legacy of wisdom of our civilisation. What we mean by loyalty is building the future by drawing strength from the past. Faith in the future, on the other hand, is keeping hope alive despite all difficulties. You are not a generation that will surrender to the darkness of this age. You are the young people who will shape the world of tomorrow, a generation with deep roots, an open outlook, a powerful voice and a vibrant spirit."
Head of Communications Duran, who noted that Ibn Haldun University is home to 564 international students from 75 different countries, delivered part of his speech in English for the international students.
Head of Communications Duran also congratulated the graduates of Ibn Haldun University in a post on his NSosyal account and thanked the university management, the academic staff, and the families who had contributed to the students’ education.
