Hacettepe University, which honours statesmen who contribute to unity and solidarity across the Turkic world with academic distinctions, has continued its distinguished honorary doctorate tradition, which includes the late President of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev, with President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
One of Türkiye’s leading higher education institutions, Hacettepe University has conferred an Honorary Doctorate in the field of International Relations upon President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov in recognition of his contributions to international and regional peace, the shared future of the Turkic world, and the development of Türkiye–Turkmenistan relations.
The Honorary Doctorate Conferment Ceremony, held in accordance with Hacettepe University Senate Resolution No. 2026-273, dated 15 October 2026, took place on Friday, 30 October 2026, at the M Hall of the Cultural Centre on the Sıhhiye Campus.
Senior State Officials and Political Representatives Gather at Hacettepe
The ceremony was held in the presence of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and attended by Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye Cevdet Yılmaz and Hacettepe University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Cahit Güran, along with a high-level government delegation from Turkmenistan, representatives of the Turkish state and political circles, deputy ministers, chairpersons and deputy chairpersons of political parties, members of parliament, senior representatives of the judiciary and public institutions, members of diplomatic missions, prominent business leaders, university administrators, academics and students.
Representatives of the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK), as well as the chairpersons and members of the boards of directors of Çalık Holding and Rönesans Holding, also attended the ceremony.
A New Chapter in Hacettepe’s Distinguished Honorary Doctorate Tradition
With its scientific achievements and international academic standing, Hacettepe University is among Türkiye’s leading universities. Since its establishment, the University has conferred honorary doctorates upon distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to science, the arts, culture, public service and international relations. This longstanding tradition reflects the University's recognition not only of academic achievements but also of service to humanity, international friendship, peace and efforts to establish lasting ties between societies.
One of the most significant examples of this tradition in the context of statesmen was the honorary doctorate in International Relations conferred upon then President of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev on 26 January 1994.
Following Heydar Aliyev, whose historic contributions played a significant role in bringing the Turkic world closer together and strengthening Türkiye–Azerbaijan relations, the conferral of an honorary doctorate in the same field upon President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov represents a strong continuation of Hacettepe University’s academic and cultural commitment to the Turkic world.
In this respect, the decision signifies more than the recognition of a head of state. It also represents academic recognition of the brotherly ties between Türkiye and Turkmenistan, their shared historical and cultural heritage, mutual trust and common commitment to the future of the Turkic world.
Honorary Doctorate Decision Adopted Unanimously
The Hacettepe University Senate evaluated the conferral of an honorary doctorate upon President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov in light of his leadership approach to international and regional peace, diplomatic efforts prioritising dialogue and cooperation, support for the shared future of the Turkic world, and contributions to the development of scientific, economic and cultural relations between Türkiye and Turkmenistan.
The decision also took into consideration Turkmenistan’s policy of permanent neutrality and its contributions to peaceful diplomacy, as well as initiatives undertaken in the fields of education, healthcare, science and technology.
In recognition of these contributions, the Senate unanimously resolved to confer an Honorary Doctorate in the field of International Relations upon President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
Rector Güran: “These Distinctions Have Been Conferred in Recognition of Service to the Turkic World and Humanity”
Delivering the opening address at the ceremony, Hacettepe University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Cahit Güran drew attention to the University's 60-year academic legacy and its honorary doctorate tradition.
Recalling that Hacettepe University had previously honoured prominent statesmen, including Heydar Aliyev, with honorary doctorates, Güran emphasised that these distinctions had been conferred in recognition of their contributions to humanity, the Turkic world and Türkiye.
Güran stated that the honorary doctorate conferred upon President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov was more than an academic distinction; it was a powerful expression of the shared history, cultural ties and commitment to future cooperation between the two brotherly countries.
Emphasising that Hacettepe University regards the universal language of science as an important means of strengthening friendship, peace and mutual understanding among nations, Güran expressed his hope that this meaningful ceremony would contribute to the development of new partnerships in education, healthcare, science and culture.
Vice President Yılmaz Highlights the Turkic World and Brotherhood
Speaking at the ceremony, Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye Cevdet Yılmaz stated that relations between Türkiye and Turkmenistan had developed on the basis of shared history, culture and brotherhood, noting that the honorary doctorate decision added further value to the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
Drawing attention to Turkmenistan’s contributions to regional and global peace, Yılmaz highlighted the importance of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s role in developing bilateral relations and preserving the shared cultural heritage of the Turkic world.
Yılmaz noted that the decision of the Hacettepe University Senate demonstrated the strong recognition of Türkiye–Turkmenistan friendship within the Turkish scientific and intellectual community, and expressed his gratitude to the University Rectorate and the Senate.
President Berdimuhamedov: “I Regard This Distinction as a Mark of Appreciation for the Friendship Between Our Countries”
Following the reading of the Senate resolution by Hacettepe University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Necla Özer, Hacettepe University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Cahit Güran presented the honorary doctorate diploma to President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
In his address, President Berdimuhamedov stated that he regarded the honorary doctorate not merely as recognition of his personal achievements, but also as an expression of appreciation for Turkmenistan’s efforts in promoting international peace, trust and cooperation, as well as the brotherly relations between Türkiye and Turkmenistan.
Emphasising the decisive role of science and education in the development of societies, Berdimuhamedov expressed his appreciation for Hacettepe University’s scientific research and international academic achievements.
Highlighting the importance of strengthening inter-university cooperation between Turkmenistan and Türkiye, implementing joint scientific projects, and increasing student and academic staff exchanges, Berdimuhamedov expressed his wish to explore opportunities for establishing new academic partnerships between Hacettepe University and higher education institutions in Turkmenistan.
Türkiye–Turkmenistan Relations Strengthened Through Academic Diplomacy
The ceremony at Hacettepe University once again demonstrated that relations between Türkiye and Turkmenistan extend beyond political and economic cooperation and are also strengthened through science, education, culture and academic partnerships.
Having left a significant academic mark on the recent history of the Turkic world with the honorary doctorate conferred upon Azerbaijani President Heydar Aliyev in 1994, Hacettepe University has continued this historical tradition by conferring a new honorary doctorate upon President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
Holding a special place in Hacettepe University’s 60-year academic legacy, the ceremony was an important gathering that highlighted the strengthening of the shared values of the Turkic world, friendship between nations and scientific diplomacy.
