Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Turkish Language Teaching Application and Research Center (OMÜ-TÜRKÇE) organized a meaningful event in honor of the university’s 50th anniversary as part of Forest Week, observed from March 21 to March 26. During the event, held on the Engineering Faculty campus, OMÜ-TÜRKÇE students and faculty members planted 50 saplings.

The event was attended by Prof. Dr. Yıldıray Topçu, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering. International students studying at OMU also showed great interest in this meaningful initiative, enthusiastically participating in the planting activity as part of the vibrant spring atmosphere.

The saplings were planted with good wishes for OMU’s strong legacy and bright future. During the event, OMÜ-TÜRKÇE Director Prof. Dr. Serkan Şen addressed the students, emphasizing the historical significance of tree planting in Turkish culture:

“Throughout history, Turks have expressed their love for the lands they inhabited by planting trees. Today, we give these saplings life with the water they need to grow. I hope that you, too, will become a source of life—just like these saplings—by contributing to resolving your countries’ challenges and strengthening the bond between your nations and Türkiye.”

The event concluded with a group photo, marking the day as both a celebration of OMU’s 50-year journey and a contribution to environmental sustainability.