The opening ceremony of the “International Congress on Inclusive Education,” hosted by Marmara University with the support of the Maltepe District Directorate of National Education, was held on Friday, April 17, at the Conference Hall of Atatürk Faculty of Education, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Complex. The program commenced with a moment of silence and the Turkish National Anthem, accompanied by Dr. Lecturer Bülent Helvaşi from Marmara University’s Atatürk Faculty of Education, followed by a musical performance.
Bringing together diverse perspectives to highlight the importance of inclusive education, the opening program was attended by the District Governor of Maltepe, Bahri Tiryaki; the Rector of Marmara University, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Okur; the Rector of Maltepe University, Prof. Dr. Edibe Sözen Çetintaş; the Director of Maltepe District National Education, Hale Bağce Özbaş; the Dean of Atatürk Faculty of Education, Prof. Dr. Yusuf Alpaydın; along with academics, educators, and numerous students.
Rector Okur: “Education Shapes the Future of Society”
In his opening remarks, Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Okur emphasized that education is the most fundamental element shaping not only individual development but also the future of society. Stressing that students constitute the core mission of universities, he noted that education lies at the center of all institutional efforts. Highlighting the work carried out by the Atatürk Faculty of Education, Rector Okur underlined that such efforts represent not only academic endeavors but also a broader social responsibility.
Addressing the central role of trust in the teacher–student relationship, Rector Okur described this bond as one of the “sacred relationships” in society. He drew attention to contemporary challenges that undermine this trust and stressed the need to restore a strong sense of confidence within educational environments. Emphasizing the necessity of re-evaluating current educational approaches, he stated: “This is an issue that concerns all of us, particularly our Faculty of Education. It must be addressed comprehensively. Everyone should set aside distractions and focus on this matter, as it directly concerns our future.”
Rector Prof. Dr. Okur, touching upon the effects of digitalization, also stated that young people, in particular, need to distance themselves from the virtual world and establish stronger connections with real life. Emphasizing that education is not limited to the mere transfer of information but is also a process of instilling values, balance, and consciousness, Prof. Dr. Okur expressed that efforts carried out with this understanding would provide direction to both the university and society. Highlighting that the congress serves as a significant starting point in this regard, Rector Okur expressed his hope that the resulting outcomes would reach a broader audience.
District Governor Tiryaki Highlights the Importance of Education
In his speech, Maltepe District Governor Bahri Tiryaki underlined the critical importance of education and stressed that this field should be shaped by qualified experts. He thanked all contributors to the organization of the congress and extended his best wishes for a successful program.
Dean Alpaydın Emphasizes Inclusive Education and School Climate
Prof. Dr. Yusuf Alpaydın, Dean of Marmara University’s Atatürk Faculty of Education, stated that recent developments have once again underscored the importance of inclusive education. He highlighted the vital role of school environments where all students can express themselves and feel a sense of belonging. Strengthening the school climate, he noted, is a fundamental factor in student development.
Drawing attention to the strong tradition of inclusivity within Turkish education, Prof. Dr. Alpaydın emphasized that Anatolia’s multicultural structure has historically fostered an inclusive educational perspective. However, he also pointed out that modern educational processes often fall short in addressing individual differences, making inclusive approaches and responsiveness to diverse needs a priority.
Noting that pedagogy is in a constant state of transformation, particularly with the rapid advancement of technology, Dean Alpaydın stated that universities and faculties of education are actively engaged in significant efforts in this field. He expressed his belief that the congress would contribute meaningfully to ongoing developments in inclusive education.
Emphasis on Cooperation and Awareness in Inclusive Education
Hale Bağce Özbaş, Director of Maltepe District National Education, expressed deep sorrow for the lives lost in recent tragic events in Kahramanmaraş and Şanlıurfa, extending her condolences. She highlighted that inclusive education is a multidimensional field that requires consideration of students’ diverse needs and perspectives, emphasizing the need for further study and reflection. She also noted that the congress had been prepared with great dedication over an extended period and thanked all stakeholders, particularly Marmara University, for their contributions.
Assoc. Prof. Elif Sarıcan: “Inclusive Education Is a Unifying Approach”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Elif Sarıcan, a faculty member at Marmara University’s Atatürk Faculty of Education, emphasized in her speech that inclusive education strengthens individuals’ sense of belonging and is grounded in the principles of equality and justice. She noted that inclusive education fosters a culture of coexistence by embracing individual differences. Concluding her remarks, she thanked all stakeholders and expressed her hope for a productive congress.
During the program, gifts prepared by students with special needs were presented to the Rector and the District Governor, while sponsors were awarded plaques. The event concluded with a group photo session followed by a visit to the stands in the foyer area.
