Our Rector Prof. Dr. Fadime Üney Yüksektepe and Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Burcu Yavuz Tiftikçigil attended the “Vision for Higher Education Towards 2030” meeting hosted by Galatasaray University and organized by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) on Friday, February 7, 2025.

The ERA-Chair project "Spectroscopy@IKU: Manipulating and Characterizing Molecular Architectures: from Isolated Molecules to Molecular Crystals," the first project in Türkiye funded by the European Research Agency (ERA) under the Horizon Europe Framework - Widening Participation and Strengthening the European Research Area (WIDERA) ERA-CHAIRS Programme, is progressing at full speed, and we at Istanbul Kültür University are proud to continue our work on this groundbreaking project.

As part of our project, to strengthen scientific collaborations and contribute to the national R&D ecosystem, our Project Coordinator and Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Gülce Öğrüç Ildız and our ERA Chair Prof. Dr. Rui Fausto had a productive meeting with the Republic of Türkiye Deputy Minister of Industry and Technology, Dr. Çetin Ali Dönmez.

Our project focuses on advanced research in physics and natural sciences, targeting critical scientific topics such as molecular spectroscopy, materials science, and polymorphism in molecular crystals.

During this important meeting, steps to enhance Türkiye’s international scientific competitiveness, reverse brain drain and strengthen industry collaborations were discussed. Additionally, potential collaborations and future goals within the scope of the Teaming for Excellence project were evaluated.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Deputy Minister Dr. Çetin Ali Dönmez for this meaningful meeting and his valuable support.

We will continue our scientific research that shapes the future with unwavering dedication!

Istanbul Kültür University (IKU) External Stakeholder Meeting was held at the Design Factory in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy campus on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. During the meeting, efforts were made to develop existing collaborations between our University and External Stakeholders, and various suggestions were discussed.

The fourth TTO and TEKMER Executives Meeting in Istanbul was held on Tuesday, February 18, under the coordination of Istanbul Kültür University (IKU) Technology Transfer Office (TTO).

In the speech she delivered at the meeting, Prof. Dr. Gülce Öğrüç Ildız, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of TTO & Deputy Chairperson of the Board of Directors of TEKMER, and the Vice Rector in charge of R&D, explained the goals of Istanbul Kültür University in becoming a research university. Prof. Dr. Gülce Öğrüç Ildız also emphasized the importance of IKU-SPECTRA: Center for Advanced Research in Physics and Natural Sciences established within the scope of Spectroscopy@IKU (EraChair) under her leadership, and the IKU ANTS TEKMER projects implemented with the support of IKU Spectroscopy and KOSGEB.

IKU TTO Director & Deputy Chairperson of the Board of Directors of TEKMER, Cüneyt Genç, gave information about the TTO activities and introduced IKU Technology Development Center (TEKMER). In the event where 16 TTO and TEKMER Executives came together, opinions on joint projects and possible collaborations were exchanged.

The laboratories established within the scope of the Spectroscopy@IKU project, IKU ANTS TEKMER and Motion Analysis Center (IKU-HAM) were introduced to our guests. Afterwards, working groups were formed for project applications for ISTKA Financial Support Programs and the project idea workshop activity was held.

The premiere screening of the documentary “Cosmopolis: The Thin Line,” directed by Res. Assist. Okan Şeker from Istanbul Kültür University, Faculty of Art and Design, Department of Radio, Television and Cinema, and Fatih Öztürk, took place on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Galata Greek Primary School. The screening of the documentary on the historical and cultural heritage of the Halki Seminary was attended by Fener Greek Patriarch Bartholomeos, Üsküdar Mayor Sinem Dedetaş, academics, figures from the art world and many other guests.

The documentary sheds light on Türkiye’s multicultural structure and historical transformation by covering the process from the opening to the closing of the Halki Seminary.

A Historical Journey: Halki Seminary

Opened in 1844 and ceased its educational activities in 1971, the Halki Seminary operated as an important educational institution during the Ottoman and Republican periods. During the gala night organized with the contributions of the Metropolis of Derkon, the documentary “Cosmopolis: The Thin Line” explores the political, cultural and social dynamics of two different eras while examining the history of this long-established school.

The documentary features the views of the school's alumni, including Greek Patriarch Bartholomeos I, Prof. Konstantinos Delikostantis, Metropolitan of Derkon Apostolos Danilidis, Academician Andonis Chatzopoulos, Historian & Author Pelin Batu and Prof. Dr. Salih İnci. Through the narratives of the school's alumni, the film reveals not only the history of an educational institution, but also the cosmopolitan past of Istanbul and its religious, cultural and sociological diversity.

High Interest in the Gala Screening

The gala night was held at Galata Greek Primary School with high attendance. Among the guests were Greek Patriarch Bartholomeos, Üsküdar Mayor Sinem Dedetaş, historian and writer Pelin Batu, academics, figures from the art world, and many others. The screening received great interest and acclaim.

Directors Fatih Öztürk and Res. Assist. Okan Şeker provided information about the creation process and the shooting stages of the documentary, while Metropolitan of Derkon Apostolos Danilidis emphasized the historical and cultural importance of the Halki Seminary in their speech.

“The Halki Seminary is a Reflection of Our Shared Values”

Fatih Öztürk, one of the directors of the film, shared the following remarks about the documentary during his speech at the event: “Tonight, with the documentary Cosmopolis: The Thin Line, we have the opportunity to rediscover, understand, and convey the magical language of cinema. This documentary is not only a tribute to the past but also a call to look toward the future with hope. As we watch the story of the Halki Seminary, we are reminded once again of how our shared values unite us and how we form a whole through diversity.”

Res. Assist. Okan Şeker, one of the directors of the film, said: “Istanbul has been the intersection of civilizations for centuries, a cosmopolis where different beliefs, cultures and languages intertwine. Istanbul's cosmopolitan structure has always walked on a thin line. This thin line marks the boundary between pluralism and uniformity, tolerance and exclusion, memory and forgetting. The story of the documentary is a reflection of this thin line.”

The documentary, which took a year to produce, was filmed at various locations, including the Halki Seminary, Hagia Triada Monastery, the Istanbul Greek Patriarchate, and Istanbul Medeniyet University. It delves into the history of the school in detail, using archival footage and testimonies.

“Cosmopolis: The Thin Line” is preparing to be screened at national and international film festivals following its premiere. With the aim of reaching a wide audience, the documentary is expected to raise awareness about historical and cultural heritage.

The documentary offers viewers not only the story of a school, but also a perspective on the preservation of multicultural heritage by establishing a link between the past and the present. Providing a comprehensive narrative on the history of the Halki Seminary, the production serves as an important reference for viewers who wish to witness history.

Istanbul Kültür University (IKU) Technology Transfer Office (TTO), and IKU ANTS TEKMER team hosted KOSGEB Specialist Selman Gül at our university on Friday, February 14th. Within the scope of the visit, extensive information was shared about the work carried out by our university for the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, the activities of the Technology Transfer Office, and the IKU ANTS TEKMER project.

Specialist Selman Gül made important evaluations on the TEKMER ecosystem and the support of technology-based initiatives. A productive meeting was held on TEKMER’s contributions to R&D and innovation activities, goals to accelerate the commercialization processes of entrepreneurs, and projects developed in advanced technology fields.

Within the scope of the visit, Gül had the opportunity to examine TEKMER office spaces and common areas on site and evaluate the infrastructures provided for entrepreneurs. He also had the opportunity to visit research infrastructures that will support technology initiatives and received information about the work that is being carried out.

The first visit was to IKU Motion Analysis Application and Evaluation Center (IKU-Ham), which carries out its activities in the field of movement sciences in order to provide education, training, practice and research in all areas related to the analysis of movement, to identify movement disorders, and to develop the most effective treatment methods and propositions for these definitions, to provide consultancy services, to train qualified scientists and health personnel at all levels.

Afterwards, information was given about the ERA-Chair project “Spectroscopy@IKU”, which is the only project that is approved and funded by the European Research Agency (ERA) in Türkiye. Lastly, a tour was held to show our guest the cutting-edge technology laboratory established with this project and the centre of highly qualified researchers.

The extended abstract book of “ICMEK6th International Congress on Interior Architecture Education,” organized by Istanbul Kültür University Department of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design and Trakya University Department of Interior Architecture, and co-chaired by Assoc. Prof. Derya Adıgüzel Özbek and Assoc. Prof. Armağan Seçil Melikoğlu Eke, has been published.

As part of the TEKMER Support Program, the fourth TEKMER Meeting, organized by KOSGEB to contribute to the development of our technology and entrepreneurship ecosystem, foster new collaborations, and bring stakeholders together, was held on February 10, 2025, under the leadership of KOSGEB President Ahmet Serdar İbrahimcioğlu and hosted by The Hood TEKMER.

IKUANTS TEKMER members also attended the event, where many important issues ranging from R&D projects to financial and infrastructural opportunities supporting entrepreneurship and digital transformation strategies were discussed.

IKUANTS TEKMER aims to bring together academic knowledge with industry, to ensure the implementation of innovative projects, to provide entrepreneurs with the support mechanisms that entrepreneurs need, and to contribute to Türkiye's technology-focused development goals. In this regard, it will continue to produce sustainable and value-added projects by strengthening cooperation with all stakeholders within the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Ada Arıkan, our student in the Department of English Language Teaching, will represent our country at the U20 European Championships in Antalya in February and the World Fencing Championships in the People's Republic of China in April. We would like to congratulate our student, who will wear the Turkish national star-and-crescent jersey in both individual and team competitions and wish them continued success.

Istanbul Kültür University Design Factory hosted important training sessions that support innovative and creative thinking. "Design-Focused Thinking Training" was successfully held on February 18-19, and "Design-Based Entrepreneurship Training" was successfully held on February 20-21.

In these comprehensive sessions, topics such as design-focused thinking methodologies, user experience analysis, prototyping techniques and the entrepreneurship ecosystem were discussed. The sessions organized with the valuable contributions of our expert Prof. Dr. Mehmet Baş, inspired our young entrepreneurial creators to produce innovative solutions.

The training sessions offered a unique opportunity for our entrepreneurs who want to make a difference with a design-focused perspective and gain a strong place in the entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Istanbul Development Agency (ISTKA) 2025 MDP Artificial Intelligence Technologies Project Workshop, organized by IKU Technology Transfer Office (TTO) in order to contribute to the artificial intelligence ecosystem and support the development of innovative projects, was successfully completed.

Within the scope of the workshop, the program was first introduced, followed by a detailed discussion of the call process and application opportunities. Subsequently, the innovative ideas of our academicians were presented, accompanied by brainstorming sessions, oral interviews, and interactive discussions aimed at developing these ideas. Throughout the event, opportunities for collaboration among participants from different disciplines were evaluated and important steps were taken towards joint project development processes.

Our Head of the Department of Radio, Television, and Cinema, Assoc. Prof. Perihan Taş Öz, participated as a guest on the program “Film Room,” broadcast live on TRT RADYO1. During the program, Assoc. Prof. Taş Öz shared her opinions and evaluations regarding the 61st International Golden Orange Film Festival Cinema Workshop, which she led this year.

Doğa Kurtyiğit from the Dean of Students Office - Kültür Point participated in the “Human Resources Forum” organized by the Presidential Human Resources Office for the third time this year. The event was hosted by Istanbul Expo Center with the theme of “The Talent Base of the New Century” on Monday, February 17th. The event, which brought together leading representatives of the business world, academics, and university career centre managers, witnessed important discussions on talent management and development strategies.

The day-long panels addressed the changing dynamics of the business world and discussed topics such as the perspective of employers on talent management, the role of talent in development processes, and the effects of artificial intelligence on career planning.

The forum aimed to strengthen the bridge between the business world and young talents while providing participants with new perspectives on the business world of the future.  

Within the scope of the “Workshop II” course conducted by Assoc. Prof. Gamze Alptekin and Prof. Dr. Esin Kasapoğlu from the Department of Architecture, a seminar was given on Tuesday, February 18, by Assoc. Prof. Gökhan Yazıcı from the Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Engineering on building load-bearing systems and earthquake-resistant structural design.

Istanbul Kültür University (IKU) Technology Transfer Office (TTO) officials attended the EIT Community Hub Türkiye opening event, held in Ankara on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.

Participating in the event, which aims to establish stronger ties between the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and the innovation ecosystem in Türkiye, IKU TTO officials established important connections to explore opportunities in the fields of entrepreneurship, technology and innovation, as well as contribute to the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Türkiye and strengthen international collaborations.

Istanbul Kültür University (IKU) Vocational School students attended the Global Career Summit, held at the Grand Pera Emek Stage on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. At the event, organized under the main sponsorship of Garanti BBVA, senior executives from more than 30 companies shared their experiences with young talents.

Students of the Programs of Public Relations and Promotion, E-Commerce and Marketing, and Business Management attended the event accompanied by the Assistant Director of the Vocational School Lecturer Gözde Kuzu Uluçay, the Head of the Program of E-Commerce and Marketing Assist. Prof. Emine Anık, the Head of the Program Public Relations and Promotion Lecturer Dr. İrem Aydoğdu, Lecturer Büşra Kaya, and Lecturer Mürsel Ferhat Sağlam.

Students had the opportunity to discover career opportunities by meeting with managers from industry giants such as AbbVie, Bosch, Danone, Red Bull, Nestlé, Penti, Reckitt, and Türkiye Sigorta. In the foyer area, activations from brands such as NYX, Garnier, Yves Rocher, Nestlé, Knorr, Red Bull, and Byqee attracted great attention.

The article titled “A Mixed-Integer Programming Model for Optimizing the Distribution Network of a Packaging Company,” written by Assist. Prof. Duygun Fatih Demirel, Vice Head of the Department of Industrial Engineering, alongside our undergraduate students Afra Alev, Begüm Buse Erturan, Ecenur Bağrıyanık, Eylül Akkaya and Şeyda Zahide Gündoğdu, has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Transportation and Logistics.

Department of Nursing External Stakeholder Meeting was held online via Microsoft Teams on Friday, February 14th.

Four articles written by Gökçe Mol, an engineer in the Department of Industrial Engineering, and our undergraduate and graduate students were accepted for publication in the International Journal of Contemporary Social Sciences.

Article information is as follows:

1- Engineer Gökçe Mol, Elif Akman and Gülbahar Çetinkaya: “Eliminating the Communication Problem That May Occur After an Earthquake by Positioning Flying Base Stations”

2- Engineer Gökçe Mol and Emine Şeyma Durmuş: “An MCDM Application for Cost-Effective and Sustainable Production Recipe Selection: The Case of Ceramic Tile Production”

3- Hajar Rahali: “Optimizing the Location for an Advanced Biological Wastewater Treatment Plant in Antalya: A Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach”

4- Shamsul Hai Wahezy: “MCDM Approaches in Construction Safety Management”

Istanbul Kültür University (IKU) First Aid Training Center was audited by Bahçelievler District Health Directorate and successfully completed the audit.

The “Story Creation Workshop” event will be organized by IKU Design Factory to convey to the participants how to construct a story, connect with people and create impactful narratives. The event, where the Founder of publishing house and Kidmosfer Çağla Acar will be the speaker, will be held on Monday, February 24, at 14:30 at the Design Factory in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus. You can scan the QR code on the poster to register for the event.

In cooperation with the Department of Communication Arts and Creative Club, “Creative Talks” event will be organized to inform our students in areas such as advertising, influencer marketing, event management and digital marketing with the aim to support their career planning processes. The event, where experts in their fields will be speakers, will be held on Tuesday, February 25th between 11.00-17.00 at Önder Öztunalı Conference Hall in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus.

The Faculty of Architecture will organize a conference titled “Fire Safety in Architectural Design and Practice: Problems and Solutions” where the measures that can be taken to ensure fire safety in building design and applications will be shared by addressing the mistakes that led to the hotel fire in Bolu. The event, where MSGSU faculty member Prof. Dr. Mustafa Özgünler will be the speaker, will be held on Wednesday, February 26th at 13.00 at Önder Öztunalı Conference Hall in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus.

The Department of Communication and Design will organize a talk titled “Understanding Ecology: A Conversation about Living Things, Non-Living Things, and the Relationship Between Them” in order to inform students about the basic concepts of ecological debates and scopes of current problems. Prof. Dr. Ali Ertürk from Istanbul University Faculty of Aquatic Sciences will be the speaker at the event which will be held on Wednesday, February 26 at 13.00 on the 1st floor multi-purpose hall in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus.

IKU Faculty of Science and Letters continues to organize “Coffee Is Just an Excuse Meetings” in order to share studies that are important in terms of research and analysis in the field of Basic Science and Social Sciences. Assist. Prof. İpek Kotan Yiğit from the Department of English Language and Literature will be the speaker at the seminar titled “Dracula: Historicity and Present Tense in a 19th Century Novel”. The event will be held on Wednesday, February 26 at 15.00 at the Erdal İnönü Seminar Hall in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus.

In order to increase the motivation of students, the Music Club, Dance club and Industrial Engineering Club will organize a “Back to Campus Party” on Wednesday, February 26th, between 15.00-18.00 at the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus.

The Mathematics-Computer Club will organize the “Database Management with Oracle” training to inform students about the Oracle database system. The training, which will be instructed by Expert Database Administrator Alper Alçin from KoçSistem, will be held on Thursday, February 27 between 10.00-17.00 at the Design Factory in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus.

An information meeting will be organized to introduce Erasmus opportunities to the students of the Department of International Trade and Finance. The event, where the International Relations Unit Erasmus+ and Exchange Programs Senior Specialist Miray Akaydın will be the speaker, will be held on Thursday, February 27, at 12:30 in the Küçükçekmece Campus Conference Hall.

The Program of Public Relations and Promotion will organize a talk titled "The Evolution of Media Relations: From Traditional to Digital" to inform students about the concept of media relations, job descriptions of PR agencies, and the planning of brand-media relations. The event, where the Spica Communication Agency President Murat Aşık will be the speaker, will be held on Thursday, February 27, at 13:00 in the amphitheatre 1A01 in the Incirli building of the Bakırköy Campus.

In cooperation with the Program of Commerce and Marketing and the Marketing Club, a talk titled "Artificial Intelligence Awareness: Marketing-Focused Productive Artificial Intelligence Usage" will be organized to increase our students' awareness of generative artificial intelligence and new business opportunities from a marketing perspective. The event, where IKU Generative AI Researcher Mert Efe Anğın will be the speaker, will be held on Friday, February 28, at 13:00 in the 4A01 amphitheater in the İncirli building of the Bakırköy Campus.