Istanbul Kültür University Fine Arts Application and Research Centre (GSUAM) organised the concert "The Wind of the Republic: 100 Years with Melodies" to celebrate the 100-year history of our Republic and the polyphonic richness of Turkish music. The event met with art lovers at the Akıngüç Auditorium and Art Center in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy campus on Wednesday, October 23 at 19:00.

Cihat Aşkın on violin, Çiğdem Çelik on vocals, Çağdaş Özkan on piano, Caner Can on qanun and Yelda Özgen Öztürk on cello took the stage at the concert. The artists who sang Atatürk's favorite songs and told the stories behind these works presented a special repertoire that blended Turkish and Western music. They gave the audience an unforgettable musical feast with their rich musical selection and powerful interpretations.

Our Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof. Dr. Asiye Gül gave a statement to Demirören News Agency (DHA) about how the insufficient knowledge about the symptoms and signs of breast cancer causes delays in treatment-seeking among women.

Highlighting the World Health Organization’s report that 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide in 2022, resulting in 670.000 deaths, Prof. Dr. Gül stressed the importance of educating the general population on breast cancer symptoms, risk factors, and early diagnosis methods due to the significant rise in cases.

“Late First Pregnancy, First Menopause Increase Breast Cancer Incidence”

Prof. Dr. Gül explained that regular self-exams, physician-performed physical exams, mammograms and ultrasounds are key screening methods for clinical diagnosis and noted the following words about breast cancer risk factors:

“We can classify breast cancer risk factors as modifiable and non-modifiable. Being a woman is the biggest risk factor. Family history and advanced age also increase the risk. Factors such as late first pregnancy, not breastfeeding, early menstruation, and late menopause increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer.”

“Being a Woman is the Biggest Risk Factor”

She further emphasized the studies that indicate that lifestyle changes, such as promoting a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, moderating alcohol consumption, and maintaining weight control can help reduce the long-term risk of developing breast cancer. “Knowing the risk factors is a crucial aspect of increasing breast cancer awareness among women and consequently augmenting participation in screening programs. Insufficient knowledge can lead to delayed diagnosis and shortened life expectancy,” said Prof. Dr. Gül.

“Awareness-Raising Initiatives Are Essential”

Prof. Dr. Asiye. Gül also drew attention to how awareness campaigns like Breast Cancer Awareness Month aid in prevention and early detention, and highlighted the importance of spreading information about the risk factors with health campaigns. “Many studies shows that the level of cancer awareness is significantly linked to the early diagnosis of breast cancer. Therefore, comprehensive awareness-raising programs focusing on breast cancer symptoms and screening methods need to be implemented.”

“Genetic Counselling is Important in Breast Cancer”

Prof. Dr. Gül noted that approximately 5-10% of breast cancer cases are hereditary, primarily stemming from mutations in specific genes passed down from parent to child. “For individuals with a family history of breast cancer, seeking genetic counselling and undergoing the necessary tests for personal risk analysis are important steps. Women with a family history of breast cancer are often more compliant with screening methods,” she added.

In the face of patriarchal inequality, YANINDAYIZ, an advocacy association that embraces the pro feminist* movement where men advocate for gender equality, influence each other on the issues, trigger mental transformation, and collaborate with women, is supported by the German consulate in a project aimed at raising awareness about dating violence among young people at universities. The project also seeks to create spaces where young people can share their experiences and to promote gender-sensitive practices in academia. As one of the five selected universities for this initiative, the first training sessions were completed on October 9 at the Küçükçekmece Campus, and on October 17 at the Bakırköy Campus, Ataköy Building.

Other universities where trainings take place are Bilgi University, MEF University, Bahçeşehir University and Kent University. The training, conducted by Assoc. Prof. Feyza Ak Akyol, Lecturer in Galatasaray University (GSU) Department of Sociology & Head of GSU Centre for Social Research, and Prof. Dr. İpek Merçil from GSU Department of Sociology, covered topics such as “Gender Stereotypes”, “Gender Equality and Approaches”, “Violence Against Women and Its Types”, “Dating Violence and Its Types”, and “Characteristics of Healthy Relationships.”

The trainings will continue at our other campuses.

Organized in collaboration with Istanbul Kültür University Art Gallery (IKUSAG) and Cumhuriyet Newspaper, the exhibition “Türkiye of Liberation: Ankara Summer 1922” through the Eyes of Yevgeni Lansere opened to visitors on Wednesday, October 16, at 15.00, at the IKUSAG Exhibition Hall in the Bakırköy Campus, Ataköy building. 

The exhibition, which highlights the observations of Russian artist Yevgeni Lansere during his time in Anatolia, was featured in the October 17 issue of Cumhuriyet newspaper. 

The disappearing tradition of letters was revived with a meaningful project in Istanbul. The project titled “Talking Letters: Messages from Masters to the Young” met with Istanbulites with a special exhibition and book launch consisting of letters left to young generations by masters in their fields, including our Head of the Department of Arts and Cultural Management Assoc. Prof. Reyhan Uludağ Eraslan.

The income from the sale of the book consisting of letters, which will be exhibited at Liv Hospital Ulus between October 1 and 15, will be used for the education of hearing-impaired children. 

The masters both wrote and performed their letters 

In the project, master names from the world of art, education, academia, and medicine took part with their letters addressed to young people. Those who came to the exhibition to see the letters not only saw the letters but also had the opportunity to listen to them in their authors' own voices. 

Book proceeds go to children in need 

The “Talking Letters: Messages from Masters to the Young” project is supported by respected names and institutions such as Monik İpekel, Seha Dosdoğru, Bülent Ketenci, Istanbul Lale Foundation, Liv Hospital, Evrim Art Gallery, Doğru Adımlar Consultancy, Aydın Boru, Mikado Digital Communication Agency, and Kültürlü Gençlik Association.

All proceeds from the sale of the book will be used for the education of hearing-impaired children through associations to help children in need. 

“Our dreams have come true.” 

Project Managers Günsu Saraçoğlu and Betül Ketenci, who stated that their aim with the “Talking Letters: Messages from Masters to the Young” project is to extend a helping hand to children in need, said, “We sincerely thank everyone who supported us in the implementation of our project. This journey started exactly one year ago. Today, we are very happy to witness our dreams come true. The masters in our project contributed to us by vocalising the letters they wrote. We are proud to reach a wider audience with our book. We will continue to progress on this meaningful journey by conveying hopeful messages to our children, the assurance of our future.”

Alumni of the Istanbul Kültür University Department of Architecture gathered with the faculty members of the department in the Architectural Design 6 studio before the “IKU Alumni Day” program held on Sunday, October 20, to refresh their memories and evaluate the architectural professional environment they were in. Our alumni, who shared their professional experiences in the meeting where graduates from different years were present, had the opportunity to discuss the professional environment and get to know other graduates studying in different years.

Director of Vocational School Prof. Dr. Mehmet Özer, Deputy Director Lecturer Gözde Kuzu, and faculty members Lecturer Berna Özer and Dr. Emine Anık had a meeting with the founder of Branding Türkiye, Mürsel Ferhat Sağlam. During the meeting, they exchanged ideas about strengthening sectoral collaboration, opportunities that can be provided to students, and advancements in the industry.

Research Assistant Enes Bal from our Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics (MOBIGEN) delivered a speech on “Personalized Medicine and Science” at the “1st International Youth Congress” organized by the Meteor Club on September 2, 2024.

On Tuesday, October 22, at 1.30 p.m., the “Faculty of Engineering Day” event was held on the ground floor of the Ataköy building at the Bakırköy Campus to celebrate the sports, social, and cultural achievements of the students of the Faculty of Engineering. At the event, certificates of achievement were presented to the students who participated in and excelled at TEKNOFEST competitions by our Vice Rectors, Prof. Dr. Gülce Öğrüç Ildız and Prof. Dr. Burcu Yavuz Tiftikçigil.

We congratulate our students and their advisors and wish them continued success.

The Department of Communication Arts hosted Burak Bozkurt, the founder of 51 Digital, one of the leading agencies in the field of “Influencer Marketing Communication”, as part of the “Seminar V” course on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

Bozkurt emphasised the increasing importance of influencer marketing in the digital marketing world and shared his sectoral experiences. In his speech, he explained the intricacies of creating effective influencer campaigns, the critical importance of choosing the right influencer and how brands can benefit from this strategy. He also reinforced the theoretical knowledge with practical applications by giving examples of 51 Digital's successful projects.

Students had the opportunity to gain a comprehensive perspective on the dynamic world of Influencer Marketing with Bozkurt's industry insights and predictions about future trends.

As part of the “Diction and Etiquette” course offered in the Program of Tourism and Hotel Management, a training on “Effective Communication Skills and Diction” was held on Wednesday, October 16. The training, instructed by TV Host Gökay Kalaycıoğlu, provided students with practical exercises on proper breathing, emphasis, and pronunciation to enhance their effective communication skills.

The works of Assoc. Prof. Reyhan Uludağ Eraslan, Head of our Department of Arts and Culture Management, are included in the group exhibition titled “Bağ 2.” Curated by Nuray Özler Yolcu, “Bağ 2” exhibition, which brought together thirty artists working in different disciplines, met with the audience on October 16, 2024. Taking place at EN PASSANT-Istanbul in the historic Nimet Han in Karaköy, the exhibition will be open to visitors until October 30.

About the Exhibition

“Bağ 2” is enriched by the creative expressions of both familiar and new artists. The works offer different perspectives on bonds, transforming the exhibition into a space of discovery. EN PASSANT - Istanbul invites the viewer to explore how bonds are constructed, how they evolve over time, and at what moments they are on the verge of breaking or becoming attached. “Bond” is an expression not only of personal relationships, but also of communication between people and nature, between past and future. The exhibition offers viewers an opportunity to see and feel the deep and complex weave of interaction. As the strength and fragility of our bonds manifest themselves in each work, the artists and the audience embark on a journey to explore their relationship in depth. 

The Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering met with the Bakırköy Municipality’s Environmental Management and Climate Change Unit with the aim to strengthen their collaboration. During the meeting, ideas were exchanged on developing projects and product innovation in the areas of sustainable energy, waste management, and climate change control.

The Industrial Engineering Club organized the "Department Introductions" event to support students' career planning processes. Müge Kılıç from Papara, Merve Elmas and Ertekin Özturgut from Toyoto, and Cüneyt Acar from Tüpraş participated in the event, which took place on Tuesday, October 15, from 12:00 to 18:00, at the Önder Öztunalı Conference Hall in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus.

In cooperation with Istanbul Kültür University Department of Nursing and Women’s Health Nursing Association, the “Reproductive Health and Endocrine Disruptors” training, which was entitled to be supported within the scope of TÜBİTAK 2237-A Project, was held on October 10-11, 2024.

As part of the “Architectural Design I” instructed by Assoc. Prof. Selin Yıldız and Research Assistant Berkay Oskay, 1st-year students from the Department of Architecture went on a technical visit to Istanbul Modern and Arter on Thursday, October 17.

During their studies in the Fall Semester of 2024-2025, students will analyse Istanbul Modern and Arter in terms of mass, shell, and surrounding context, architectural program, exhibition content, and the interactions between art and space.

The Effective Communication Club organized a talk titled “Boundaries in the Advertising World” on Thursday, October 17. Advertising Copywriter Başak Görel, the guest speaker, discussed how limitations in the advertising world affect the industry and how to navigate these challenges despite the restrictions.

The Psychology Club organized an event titled “In the Therapy Room: The Counsellor-Client Relationship in Psychotherapy” to provide students with insights into practical aspects of the field. Psychologist Serap Duygulu participated as the guest speaker in the event held at the Bakırköy Campus, Ataköy building, in the multipurpose hall on the first floor.

In cooperation with the Healthy Nutrition Club and the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, a workshop titled “Cook, Taste, Learn” was organized on Thursday, October 24. In the training given by Specialist Dietitian Hüsniye Odabaş, students prepared a healthy, simple and practical recipe 'crispy bar'.

Within the scope of the 29 October Republic Day activities of IKU Faculty of Science and Letters, a conference titled “REPUBLIC Entering the Second Century” will be held. The event, where Turkish Philosopher, Academician and Translator Prof. Dr. Ahmet Aslan from Ege University will be the speaker, will be held on Wednesday, October 30th, between 10:00 and 12:00 at the Akıngüç Auditorium and Art Center in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy campus.

The Industrial Engineering Club will organize an “Alumni Panel” for our graduates to share their knowledge and experience with students. The event, where AstraZeneca Commercial Event Manager Ezgi Er, LC Waikiki Business Intelligence Expert Hümra Özker, DenizBank Project Management and Business Analysis Vice President Beril Keskin Dalgın, and Shopier Project Owner Samet Karataş will be speakers, will be held on Wednesday, October 30 at 13:00 in the Önder Öztunalı Conference Hall in the Ataköy building.

In cooperation with the New Media and Communication Club and the Department of New Media and Communication, a workshop titled “Using Artificial Intelligence in Graphic Design” will be organised in order to convey to students the innovations brought by artificial intelligence to the world of graphic design, how it transforms design processes, and its future effects. The workshop, which will be given by Expert Graphic Designer Burak Budak, will be held on Wednesday, October 30th, at 13:00 in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy campus, in the atelier numbered AKB11-13.

IKU Faculty of Science and Letters continues to organise “Coffee Is Just an Excuse Meetings” in order to share the studies that are important in terms of research and analysis in the field of Basic Science and Social Sciences. Assist. Prof. Ayşegül F. Yelkenci from the Department of Physics will be the speaker at the seminar titled “Reflections of Space Studies” on Wednesday, October 30 at 15:00 in the Erdal İnönü Seminar Hall in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy campus.

The “Law Days Congress” will be organized in cooperation with the Cultural Values ​​Protection Club, Istanbul Medeniyet University, and Istanbul Aydın University to provide students with information about the legal professions and current legal issues. The congress, where experts in their fields will be speakers, will be hosted at the Akıngüç Auditorium and Art Center in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy campus between 10:30-16:30 on October 31-November 1.

The Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics (MOBIGEN) will organise a conference titled “Genetic and Environmental Risk Factors” within the scope of “Breast Cancer Awareness Month.” The seminar, where Specialist Dr. Şeniz Kavak from the Breast Health Society (MEMEDER) will be the speaker, will be held on Thursday, October 31 at 15:00 in the Atilla Özalpan Seminar Hall in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy campus. At the event, information will be given about breast cancer risk factors, genetic and environmental effects, as well as early diagnosis and treatment methods.

Dean of Students Office - Kültür Point Professional Career Development Coordinatorship will organize "Life Development Trainings" to show individuals what is wrong in their personal lives and teach them new information. The training to be given by Psychologist Dr. Serap Duygulu with the title "The Gift of Modern Life: Stress” will be held on Thursday, October 31, between 16.00-19.00 at the Önder Öztunalı Conference Hall in the Bakırköy Campus, Ataköy building.

In cooperation with the International Relations Unit, the Kültür DJ Academy Club, the Geek Club, the Erasmus Club, the Dance Club and the Travel Club, a “Halloween in Kültür” event will be held on Thursday, October 31, at 17.00 at the backyard of the Bakırköy Campus, Ataköy building.

ATAMER, the Atatürkist Thought Club and the Kültür DJ & Production Academy Club will organize a “Republic Ball” event within the scope of October 29th Republic Day. As our Republic enters its second century, the event, which will be held to keep alive the tradition of the Republic Ball, which is a product of the great modernization project designed by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in public and social life, will be hosted by the Kültür College Alumni Lodge on Thursday, October 31 at 19.00.

The Program of Psychological Counseling and Guidance will organize a conference titled “Career Journey in Psychological Counseling and Guidance: From Student to Expert.” The event, in which Expert Psychological Counselor Betül Coşkun will be a speaker, will be held on Friday, November 1, at 12:00 in the conference hall of the Küçükçekmece Campus.

In cooperation with the Atatürk's Principles and Revolution History Research and Application Center (ATAMER) and the Atatürkist Thought Club (ATC), a conference titled “The Proclamation of the Republic with its Historical and Political Dimensions in Türkiye As It Enters Its Second Century” will be held within the scope of October 29th Republic Day. The event, where Assoc. Prof. Eminalp Malkoç from Istanbul Technical University will be the speaker, will be held on Friday, November 1, at 13.00, at the Önder Öztunalı Conference Hall in the Bakırköy Campus, Ataköy building.