The International Relations Unit Student Coordination Office of Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) organized an iftar program for student representatives from various countries studying at OMU.

The program held at the OMU Life Center was attended by Rector Prof. Dr. Yavuz Ünal, Head of the International Relations Unit Prof. Dr. Mustafa Said Kurşunoğlu, Deputy Head of the International Relations Unit and Erasmus Institution Coordinator Dr. Mehmet Tütüncü, Deputy Head of the International Relations Unit Dr. Özgür Atakan, OMU Alumni Coordinator Dr. Alaattin Altın, and International Student Coordinator Dr. Olcay Bayraktar.

Representatives from 80 different countries participated

Representatives from 80 different countries and International Student Community members attended the Iftar program in their national flags and traditional costumes.

Addressing the students after iftar, Rector Prof. Dr. Yavuz Ünal expressed his pleasure in meeting with the representatives in the unifying spiritual climate of Ramadan, which is considered the month of patience, mercy, blessing, and forgiveness.

"Ramadan is a month of blessing and an opportunity for people to meet and blend"

In his speech at the program, Rector Ünal said, "Ramadan is a month of blessing and an opportunity for people to meet and blend. However, unfortunately, we experience Ramadan with sorrow due to the oppression Muslims face in Gaza, East Turkestan, and many other places around the world. I hope that with a free Palestine and a free East Turkestan, the Islamic world will rise. Then Ramadan will be much more meaningful for us."

"You should return to your countries with a strong education in every field"

Pointing out the need to correctly understand the events happening in the world today, Rector Ünal continued:

"You need to prepare strongly for the future. You should return to your country with a strong education in every field here and provide the best service to your people. Additionally, you must leave here with a strong leadership character due to the education you receive and become individuals sought after in your country. Otherwise, you cannot be strong against the oppressions and perception operations carried out against humanity in the world. You need to be able to discuss different issues by making as many different readings as possible."

The Iftar program, which began with the recitation of the Qur'an, ended with an opening speech, a dombra (a two-stringed Turkic instrument) recital, and a photo shoot.