15th International Students Graduation Ceremony Held in Ankara

The International Students Graduation Ceremony and the 3rd Türkiye Alumni Awards Program was held in Ankara with the participation of Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Ports and Marine Transport of Somalia and Türkiye alumnus Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, YTB President Abdulhadi Turus, ambassadors, members of parliament, guests, and students.

​In the program organized by the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), approximately 2,800 international students from 110 countries who completed their education under the scope of Türkiye Scholarships experienced the excitement of graduation. The ceremony featured short film screenings, music and dance performances, award presentations, and a cap-tossing event.

​This Table Demonstrates Türkiye’s Strength

​Speaking at the ceremony, Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz stated that the table formed by students coming from different regions of the world demonstrates Türkiye’s international strength in the field of education, and said: “Today, the great Türkiye Alumni family, which spreads across the four corners of the world and exceeds 150,000 in number, gives us all pride as the most mature and exquisite fruit of our centuries-old state tradition and deep-rooted educational diplomacy.”

​Emphasizing that the importance Türkiye attaches to international students will continue to increase, Yılmaz expressed his belief that Türkiye will host a much larger number of international students in the upcoming period. Noting that international students get to know Türkiye and its culture closely by learning Turkish, Yılmaz said that these students contribute to the establishment of strong relations between their countries and Türkiye. Yılmaz stated that the bonds established through education provide significant gains in economic and cultural fields as well, contributing greatly to the development of trade and tourism.

​You Are the Most Important Representatives of the Bridges of Hearts

​Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy stated that students from all over the world came to Türkiye with a common dream and used the following expressions: “You applied to the Türkiye Scholarships program from all over the world, were accepted, and came to our country. Setting off from thousands of kilometers away, you came to Türkiye with a common dream. With the memories of friendship you have acquired in Türkiye, you are the most important representatives of the bridges of hearts established between our country and your own countries.”

​Noting that the knowledge, experience, and friendships gained in Türkiye are carried to the four corners of the world through the alumni, Ersoy said that Türkiye Alumni build permanent bridges of friendship between their countries and Türkiye. Ersoy added, “The doors of Türkiye are always open to you. Because you are not just Türkiye Alumni, but members of the Türkiye family.”

​In his speech addressed to the graduating students, YTB President Abdulhadi Turus stated that diplomas are a reward not only for academic success but also for the patience, determination, and effort displayed by the students far away from their families. Expressing that students came from different countries and adapted to a new language, a new university, and a new life, Turus emphasized that families also have a major share in this success.

​There Is a Need for Qualified and Responsible Individuals

​Drawing attention to the humanitarian crises experienced in different parts of the world, especially in Gaza, Turus stated that the need for conscientious, qualified, and responsible individuals is increasing day by day. Indicating that the Türkiye Alumni family forms a vast international network with 35 alumni associations operating in 31 countries today, Turus expressed that alumni will continue to strengthen their bonds with Türkiye and increase joint works.

​Turus stated that the graduating students will now undertake duties as the natural ambassadors of cultural, academic, and economic relations between Türkiye and their home countries. Stating that the Türkiye Alumni network grows stronger with each passing year, Turus expressed that the alumni maintain their bonds with Türkiye by assuming important duties in different regions of the world. Noting that the knowledge and experience gained by international students in Türkiye also contribute to the development of their countries, Turus emphasized that the alumni play an important role in strengthening peace, cooperation, and mutual understanding on a global scale. Turus said that, as YTB, they will continue to support projects and collaborations that will keep the alumni's bonds with Türkiye alive after their education.

​Within the scope of the program, the Türkiye Alumni Awards were also presented to their recipients, while Gaza student Sameh Alnabih, speaking on behalf of the graduating students, shared his feelings and thoughts regarding their educational journey. The ceremony concluded with the students tossing their caps and a family photo session.