As METU, we all share the great enthusiasm, excitement, and joy of celebrating the 100th anniversary of our Republic with our students, alumni, and members!
In line with the legacy of our great leader, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who left us the torch of the Republic with his words “Freedom and independence form my character,” we continue to carry this flame into the future with unyielding determination. We are committed to fostering young generations with free minds and a conscience, as we aim to bring our country to the level of contemporary civilizations with all our might. We are dedicated to this cause, and we will persistently strive towards it.
We respectfully remember and yearn for those who, foremost among them being the founder of our Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, have created the profound past that ensures our country moves confidently towards the future with firm steps.
Long live the republic!
METU opens technology lab in Gazi High School for the 100th anniversary of the republic
In line with METU’s mission of “serving the community,” a technology lab has been established at Gazi High School in Altındağ, founded in 1932 under the directive of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Built in order to pursue the goal of enlightening future generations with the power of science, technology, and art, the laboratory includes 3D printers, computers, robotic desks, and various other high-tech materials.
On October 28, a ceremony was held for the opening of the technology lab established by METU with the support of the Municipality of Altındağ at the historic Gazi High School. The ceremony was attended by the METU President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Verşan Kök, Project Coordinator Prof. Dr. Eren Kalay, Altındağ Mayor Asım Balcı, and Altındağ District National Education Director Hasan Yıldırım, as well as the administrators, teachers, and students of Gazi High School.
During the ceremony, in his speech, President Kök emphasized the significance of establishing a technology classroom in the historic high school proudly bearing the title “Gazi” for the past 90 years, earned by Atatürk through his heroic achievements. Dr. Kök stated that METU started the year 2023 with the goal of holding 100 events in the 100th anniversary of the Republic, and he added that the aim of all their projects is to equip future generations with the power of science, technology and art, and illuminate them through the light of education, in line with the direction envisioned by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk 100 years ago.
Republic Day Reception Held
On October 27, 2023, a reception for the 100th anniversary of our Republic was held at METU Culture and Convention Center, bringing together the administrators and chairs of academic and administrative units of our university. In his opening speech, President Prof. Dr. M. Verşan Kök emphasized the place of METU among the most significant achievements of our Republic and expressed his sincere gratitude to all the heroes who contributed to our country’s fight for freedom, especially the founder of our Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
As part of the contest organized in honor of the 100th anniversary of our Republic in collaboration with the Photographic Arts Federation of Turkey (TFSF), awards were presented to the winners by our President and TFSF Representative Emrah Akyıldız at the Kemal Kurdaş Hall. The performance by the METU Development Foundation High School Choir, led by their Conductor Erkoç Torun, was followed by the waltz performance of the students from the METU Couple Dance Club. Additionally, the Zeybek dance, performed by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in the last ball he attended, was recreated by Ömer Faruk Çetin, a METU student from the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
100th Year Republic Run
Organized by the METU Office of Sports, the traditional Republic Run was held on the Republic Day, October 29, 2023, with thousands of participants of all ages. Upon the initial gathering at 10.30, the run started at 11.30.
At the end of the run that was held on the five-kilometer track set within the METU campus, no ranking was made as the aim was for both young and elderly citizens to participate together in a sporting event, completing the course through either running or walking. For children, smaller tracks were set up to encourage their participation. The opening speech was delivered by our Vice President Prof. Dr. Mehmet Zeyrek, which was followed by the highly acclaimed performances by the couple dance club and the hip-hop club.
Concert by Emrehan Halıcı & Musicians of Ankara (9466 METU Scholarship Fund Concert)
As part of the series of events in honor of the 100th Anniversary of our Republic, Emrehan Halıcı and the Musicians of Ankara gave a concert on October 29, 2023, at the METU Culture and Convention Center, performing a beautiful selection of Jazz, Blues, and Rock music from the last 100 years.
In the 15th edition of this year’s concert, musicians who have grown up in Ankara took the stage. Emrehan Halıcı accompanied all the bands with his drum performance, and a total of approximately 40 highly talented musicians performed captivating pieces for nearly three hours. All the proceeds of the concert, which was organized in collaboration with the METU Development Foundation and AdımODTÜ with the voluntary participation of the musicians, were donated to the METU Scholarship Fund to support our students.
