The Marmara University 2026–2027 Academic Year Opening Ceremony took place on October 12, 2026, at the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Complex Faculty of Technology Conference Hall, with the participation of academics, administrative staff, and students. The program commenced with a moment of silence and the Turkish National Anthem, followed by an opening performance by the Marmara Flute Orchestra, conducted by Prof. Dr. Ece Karşal from the Faculty of Fine Arts, which presented a curated selection of four pieces.
CoHE's 2030 Vision and a Pioneering Role in Data Analytics
Marmara University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Okur opened the ceremony by expressing his honor at having Council of Higher Education (CoHE) President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar deliver the first lecture of the new academic year. Emphasizing that universities align their efforts with the Presidential vision and CoHE's 2030 roadmap, Okur stated that quality assurance, digital competencies, global visibility, and employment-oriented real sector partnerships remain their top priorities. Addressing the digital education initiatives implemented under the coordination of CoHE, Okur highlighted the university's leading role, noting: "The launched Data Analytics School received over 130,000 applications and issued more than 30,000 certificates; Marmara University has served as the driving force behind this achievement." Okur also drew attention to the scientific competition among research universities, noting that Marmara University ranks among the leading institutions nationally and internationally in terms of both the number of research project applications submitted and those accepted.
Campus Investments and Focus on an Updated Curriculum
Touching upon the phased development at the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Complex, Okur stated that the campus will reach full capacity upon the completion of the third phase. He announced that construction is progressing rapidly on the mosque, retail facilities, dining areas, preschool daycare, student wellness/medico-social facilities, new transit roads, and the third entrance gate. Reminding attendees that the university boasts a rooted 145-year tradition—having trained nearly 50 rectors and founding leadership figures across Turkey—Okur underscored the necessity of curriculum reform: “The most important task of educational institutions is to educate people. Courses should not be designed around individual instructors; rather, instructors should be assigned according to the needs of the courses, and curricula must be reviewed,” Following his remarks, Okur invited CoHE President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar to deliver the opening lecture.
New Vision for Higher Education: Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, and Quality Assessment
Delivering the first lecture of the new academic year, CoHE President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar noted that higher education has moved past the phase of quantitative expansion, entering a new era focused on quality, accreditation, and digital transformation. In this context, Özvar underlined that new programs in priority fields such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity, and smart manufacturing systems are being rolled out rapidly. He stressed that training programs must be launched immediately to ensure all academic personnel can integrate AI tools in accordance with pedagogical and ethical standards.
Calling for the modernization of academic programs and the removal of excessive theoretical overload, Özvar offered notable critiques of assessment and evaluation practices. Özvar criticized the widespread use of multiple-choice tests across disciplines, including law, engineering, health sciences, and social sciences, noting that such methods limit students’ reasoning, analytical, and communication skills. He called for greater emphasis on assessment methods that evaluate students’ critical thinking and ability to justify their arguments. Özvar also addressed Türkiye’s scientific diplomacy and international competitiveness, highlighting the increase in high-quality academic publications and the achievements of research universities. Highlighting that the country has climbed global research publication rankings and matched OECD averages for articles published in Q1–Q2 journals, Özvar added that they aim to position Turkish higher education as a prominent global player through industry collaborations and incentives for international academic mobility.
Following the speeches, awards and certificates of achievement were presented to the academics and athletes who represented Marmara University with their international accomplishments. The awards were conferred by CoHE President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar and Marmara University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Okur.
At the ceremony, the Marmara Flute Orchestra, which was named the 'Ensemble of the Year' at the Global Flute Excellence Awards and awarded the 'Musical Achievement Award' at the Mavi Nota Music Awards, was congratulated.
The ceremony also celebrated sporting achievements, with certificates of achievement awarded to the university’s karate and taekwondo teams, which won five gold, three silver and two bronze medals at EUSA Combat Sports 2026, organised by the European University Sports Association in Tirana, Albania.
The event concluded following the commendations, along with best wishes for a productive and successful academic year.
