“International Friendship Day,” honoring our international students, was held this year at the Beytepe Campus with representatives from 27 countries.
Hacettepe University Beytepe Campus once again hosted the now traditional “International Friendship Day.” Held every May to honor international students, the tenth edition of the event took place on May 12. As part of the program, promotional stands prepared by 27 countries at Atatürk Statue Square attracted significant attention from students. Reflecting our university’s inclusive campus vision once again, the event featured a wide range of activities including musical performances, cultural presentations, dance shows, and interactive activities. Representing the rich academic and cultural diversity of Hacettepe, which currently continues its scientific endeavors with students from 73 different countries, the program created vibrant and colorful scenes.
Prof. Dr. Mehmet Cahit Güran: “You came from different countries around the world and became part of the Hacettepe family.”
The International Friendship Day program began with an opening speech delivered by our Rector, Mehmet Cahit Güran. Prof. Dr. Güran emphasized that students from 73 different countries continue their education at Hacettepe University and stated that this represents far more than a statistic for Hacettepe:
“This diversity means that different stories, different dreams, and different perspectives come together on the same campus. We believe that each of our international students adds value to the cultural mosaic of Hacettepe University.”
In his speech, Rector Güran also addressed the students who came to Hacettepe University from different parts of the world and continued:
“We do not define success solely through rankings. For us, true success lies in producing scientific knowledge that contributes to humanity, adding value to society, and educating individuals who feel a sense of responsibility toward the world. Dear students, you came from different countries around the world and became part of the Hacettepe family. For this, I sincerely thank you all. I congratulate you on this choice. Your presence makes our campuses richer, more vibrant, and stronger. I wholeheartedly believe that the friendships you build here will continue for many years and further strengthen the relations between our countries.”
“Diversity is one of the most important elements that strengthen institutions.”
In his remarks, Prof. Dr. Güran also noted that today’s world is confronted with wars, conflicts, polarization, and discrimination, emphasizing the importance of friendship and the role of universities with the following words:
“It is precisely in such a period that the mission undertaken by universities becomes even more meaningful. Universities should be universal spaces where peace, dialogue, tolerance, and common sense are upheld. As Hacettepe University, we place great importance on being an inclusive university where differences coexist harmoniously and everyone feels valued. Because we know that diversity is one of the most important elements that strengthen institutions.”
“A great family of science and culture where students from all around the world feel they belong.”
Prof. Dr. Cahit Güran emphasized that Hacettepe University is an international family of science and culture and concluded his speech as follows:
“Hacettepe University is not only a major family of science and culture for Türkiye, but also for students from all around the world who feel they belong here. We will continue working to make this family even stronger. We firmly believe that, under the universal light of science, we will build a better future through friendship and solidarity.”
