Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Faculty of Theology celebrated the graduation of 297 students for the 2023-2024 academic year. The 38th graduation ceremony was held at OMU Life Center, starting with a moment of silence and the Turkish National Anthem, followed by a recitation from the Quran.

A Ceremony with Dignity and Tradition

The ceremony was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Theology, Prof. Dr. Recep Demir, Vice Deans Assoc. Dr. Bekir Özüdoğru and Dr. Elif Sobi, Director of the Distance Education Center Dr. Hasan Atsız, faculty members, graduates, and their families.

"Being a Graduate of the Faculty of Theology Means Upholding Values"

In his opening speech, Dean Prof. Dr. Recep Demir emphasized the unique mission and values instilled in the graduates: "Dear graduates, the Faculty of Theology has not only provided you with knowledge but also a mission. This mission is to enlighten those around you about Islam and be a beautiful example as a faithful Muslim. You have the duty to represent Islam in the best way possible. You will be the defenders of goodness and justice, and being a graduate of the Faculty of Theology means upholding values, having red lines, and possessing a cause and concern."

"Our Graduation is a New Beginning and a Herald of Conquering New Hearts"

Speaking on behalf of the students, the top graduate, Merve Çataltaş, reflected on the journey and aspirations of the graduates: "Five years ago, we embarked on this path, and today we are concluding it here. We are graduating, leaving behind exhausting midterms, finals, and sleepless nights filled with assignments. We started this educational journey with the dream and excitement of graduating one day. Now, that dream has come true, and we are graduating, albeit with a bittersweet feeling as we part from our beloved school and friends with whom we shared precious memories. Over these five years, we have gained valuable knowledge from our esteemed professors. Our hope is to convey this knowledge to future generations faithfully. As the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, 'There is a piece of flesh in the body; if it is sound, the whole body is sound; if it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt. Truly, it is the heart.' We are graduating from the Faculty of Theology, where we have learned how to keep these hearts healthy and functioning properly. As with all endings, this bittersweet graduation marks a new beginning and a herald of conquering new hearts."

The ceremony concluded with department heads and faculty members presenting diplomas to the graduates. After receiving their certificates, the graduates celebrated by tossing their caps in the air.