Issue 449 of Kültür Agenda

KÜLTÜR AGENDA
13/02/2026 Issue: 449

NEWS FROM KÜLTÜR

IKU Awards 2025 & ATESIS’25 – Academic Incentive Ceremony

The IKU Awards 2025 and ATESIS’25 – Academic Incentive Ceremony was held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 14.00 at the Akıngüç Auditorium and Art Centre, located in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus. During the ceremony, full-time academic and administrative staff members, as well as our university’s units, were recognized for their outstanding achievements and contributions in the areas of scientific research, education and training, quality development, international collaboration, public–university–industry cooperation, graduate thesis supervision, and institutional service.

In her opening speech, Chair of the Board of Trustees Dr. Bahar Akıngüç Günver stated:

“We began 2026 with a meaningful gathering. First and foremost, on behalf of myself and the Akıngüç Family, I would like to thank you all for your dedication to Kültür. Kültür is the work of a Republican intellectual who adopted respect for labour as a guiding principle, our Honorary President, M.Sc. Civil Engineer Fahamettin Akıngüç. A devoted patron of the arts, a passionate lifelong learner, and a true humanist, our Founder made a genuine struggle to bring the Kültür brand into the sphere of higher education. Financial resources may be decisive in realizing certain dreams. However, as he himself emphasized, establishing an educational institution is not merely a financial endeavour. It is a matter of heart. I am among the closest witnesses to the perseverance and determination with which he defended the principles he believed in, foremost among them secularism and respect for labour. I am speaking of someone who incorporated this unwavering commitment into the very constitution of the institution. Throughout this journey, our Honorary President valued the contributions of colleagues at every level. Within the identity of a family enterprise, he balanced the essence of being a family with the principles of management science. He underscored that both sustaining an institution and preserving a family are possible only through respect for labour. With his belief in free thought and heartfelt commitment, he remains an invaluable role model for us all. In short, at Kültür, valuing labour is a tradition established by our Founder. We continue to carry his legacy forward in all our endeavours, from the principles enshrined in our institutional constitution to our new campus project.

The achievements honoured here today were not pursued for recognition or the spotlight. Behind each accomplishment lies a far greater motivation: the passion to produce, to understand, and to work. Time also has a role in strengthening bonds. It is truly meaningful to be able to express our gratitude to colleagues with whom we have worked side by side under the Kültür roof for many years. I see that those who have devoted 15, 20, 25 years and more to Kültür sincerely embody and uphold its values and mission. Transferring one’s knowledge and expertise into the values of Kültür is itself an act of dedication. Speaking of Kültür not merely as a brand, but with a sense of “Us” ... Each of these is a great privilege.

Among the colleagues receiving service awards today are individuals who worked directly with our Founder and Honorary President. Fahamettin Akıngüç embraced leadership by setting an example. He inspires... He avoids didacticism and instead guides through lived experience, rhythm, and shared learning. Those who had the opportunity to work directly with him are the strongest interpreters of Kültür’s values. I extend my heartfelt thanks to each of them, not only for their professional contributions, but also for the sincere bond they have established with Kültür’s values and for generously passing these values on to new generations.”

The desire to do something, to achieve something for the country, for the world, for the people we take responsibility for... The excitement of leaving a good mark... It was very valuable to feel this feeling while examining the lists. I remembered the sentence shared by Prof. Dr. Ömür Ceylan at the opening ceremony this year in his message. If there is Kültür, there is hope. We owe this hope to our colleagues who stubbornly do not give up the excitement of working and producing even in gray times. I congratulate all our members who touch the youth, country, science, art, society, in short, life under the umbrella of Kültür, and wish them continued success."

Our Rector Prof. Dr. Fadime Üney Yüksektepe said, "Today, we are here as the IKU family for a very meaningful meeting. I see today's ceremony not only as an organization where achievements are rewarded; but also as a moment of sharing effort, knowledge, determination and seeing our common values become visible. I am extremely excited about this meeting that we will host today. Before moving on to the ceremony, our Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Gülce Öğrüç Ildız will share the methodology of this process with you with a short presentation. Therefore, I will not go into numerical details. I would like to talk more about what today means to us.

In September 2023, I was appointed as the Rector. This is my 16th year at Kültür. During this time, I took part in many academic and administrative processes. Therefore, I know very well the effort and intensity of our colleagues sitting in front of me, who will receive awards here today, and the dedication behind these achievements.

Producing a product in the field of education, research and social responsibility is an extremely laborious task. All of these require continuity, patience, discipline and dedication. I sincerely congratulate all my colleagues who will receive awards today. At the same time, I see this scene as a strong source of inspiration for our new colleagues who have joined our university. My wish is to celebrate many more success stories together in this hall next year. Since the establishment of our university, academic studies have always been supported within different organizations. Although the structures have changed, the approach has not. We have set the goal of keeping this tradition alive in the best way and raising the bar higher than where we took over. In this context, we revised the scope and implementation methods of our academic incentive process in the second half of 2025. Our achievement and support awards, which were held under the name of BİLSAP in the past years, were integrated with APSIS. The process has been digitalized and started to be carried out more easily and effectively through the Academic Incentive Evaluation Program, whose short name is ATESIS. We implemented the IKU Awards for the first time this year. In this context, we will make very valuable studies visible in the fields of scientific excellence, scientific success, young researcher, education-training, international cooperation, public-university-industry cooperation, postgraduate thesis and quality. Our goal is clear: to establish an inclusive, fair, incentive, and sustainable academic ecosystem for everyone involved in education, research, and social responsibility.

This approach is also one of the key priorities of our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan. We are determined to strengthen our research and development capacity, increase industry collaborations, support graduate production and prioritize projects that create value for society. And we care about monitoring all these outputs with objective, measurable and digital systems. I would like to thank all our teammates, especially our Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Gülce Öğrüç Ildız, who contributed to the successful execution of this process.

As you know, our university is approaching its 30th anniversary step by step. We are growing with our new campus, the foundations of which we laid in October last year. The success stories we share today show that a new floor, a strong brick, is added to our foundations every day, not only in terms of square meters but also in terms of quality. Every name who contributed to Kültür is very valuable in this success. All of you, all of us, have a great share in writing this story. Therefore, today, we have added a new title to our award tradition: IKU Service Awards.

Based on December 31, 2025, we will express our gratitude to our colleagues who have reached milestones in their professional lives with 15, 20, and 25 years or more of service. With the belief that institutional memory, belonging, and consistency are the most fundamental elements that strengthen universities, I hope that this tradition of service awards will continue. On this occasion, I would like to express my gratitude, on behalf of myself and our university, to our Board of Trustees Chairperson Dr. Bahar Akıngüç Günver, our Vice Chairperson and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of our Founding Foundation Ful Akıngüç, our Vice Chairperson of the Foundation Board of Directors Lale Akıngüç, and our Board of Trustees Members for their unwavering support and trust. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my respect, on behalf of myself and our university, to our Honorary President, M.Sc. Civil Engineer Fahamettin Akıngüç, who founded Istanbul Kültür University as a well-established, respected, independent educational institution in higher education, committed to the Principles and Revolutions of Atatürk.

What we see here today shows very clearly that IKU is not only a well-established university, but also a constantly evolving, ambitious, productive academic community that looks confidently to the future. We will continue to grow by sharing our success. We will strengthen science, education, and social contribution together. And I believe that in the coming years, we will celebrate even greater successes together. Success in Kültür is not a coincidence; it is the result of collective effort. With the hope of celebrating new successes together, I thank you all and sincerely congratulate all our colleagues who will receive awards."

Our Vice Rector Prof. Gülce Öğrüç Ildız said: "Today, we are here at the end of a journey that has made scientific production, contribution to education, quality awareness, international expansion, and institutional effort visible on the basis of transparency, continuity, and collective wisdom. This journey is not limited to awards or incentives. This journey is about recognizing effort, preserving quality, and making academic excellence a shared value of our university. On this occasion, I would like to express my gratitude to our Board of Trustees Chair, Dr. Bahar Akıngüç Günver, for her support in encouraging this process under all circumstances and raising awareness of the work, and to our Rector, Prof. Dr. Fadime Üney Yüksektepe, for guiding the process with her academic vision and determined stance. Now, I would like to briefly share with you how this effort has been transformed into success with concrete results."

Prof. Dr. Gülce Öğrüç Ildız then presented the awards ceremony following her speech.

Click here to view the presentation...

After the presentation, awards were given to winners in a total of 9 categories.

The award categories and winners are as follows:

Scientific Excellence Award: Prof. Dr. Rui Fausto Martins Ribeiro da Silva Lourenço, Prof. Dr. Gülce Öğrüç Ildız, Prof. Dr. Sevim Akyüz
Scientific Achievement Award: Prof. Dr. Akhan Akbulut, Assoc. Prof. Meri Taksi Deveciyan, Assist. Prof. Gizem Şimşek Kaya
Young Researcher Achievement Award: Res. Asst. Tamer Gümüş, Res. Asst. Büşra Kocaçınar Öz
Education and Teaching Award: Assoc. Prof. Fatma Patlar Akbulut, Assist. Prof. Zeynep Gergin, Prof. Dr. Emel Yavuz, Assist. Prof. Öznur Şengel, Prof. Dr. Esra Bostancıoğlu, Prof. Dr. Rana Kutlu
Public-University-Industry Cooperation Award: Lecturer Erdem Yücesan
Graduate Thesis Award: Prof. Dr. Akhan Akbulut, Assoc. Prof. Fatma Patlar Akbulut
International Cooperation Award: Prof. Dr. Emel Yavuz, Res. Assist. Dr. Tuğba Sarıcaoğlu, Res. Assist. Ayşe Nur Altunsoy
Quality Award: Prof. Dr. Mehmet Toran, Assoc. Prof. Duygun Fatih Demirel, Assoc. Prof. Ahmet Gökhan Uluçay

Click here for the list of award winners...

In the "Service Award" category, plaques were presented to members of our academic and administrative staff who have served our university for 15, 20, 25 years, and above.

Click here for the list of Service Award recipients...

"All Spots Are at the Edge, the Void is Endless" Ayla Yakıcı Retrospective Exhibition Opens at IKU Art Gallery

The Istanbul Kültür University (IKU) Art Gallery (IKUSAG) brought the retrospective exhibition of the artist Ayla Yakıcı, whom we lost in recent years, titled "All Spots Are at the Edge, the Void is Endless" to art lovers on Wednesday, February 11. The opening speeches for the exhibition, organized by the Fine Arts Application and Research Center (GSUAM), were delivered by our Rector Prof. Dr. Fadime Üney Yüksektepe and the artist's sister Nermin İşçeviren. The retrospective exhibition titled "All Spots Are at the Edge, the Void is Endless" approaches Ayla Yakıcı's art not as a complete narrative but as a continuous intellectual space. In these works, which do not feature any distinct figures, an intense sense of presence is felt. The abstract structure, where colors blend and textures intertwine, invites the viewer on a personal journey of intuition rather than pointing to a single meaning. The exhibition can be visited at the IKU Art Gallery in the Ataköy building on the Bakırköy Campus until March 13, 2026.

"I Chose This Glamorous Dream" Musical Theater

Istanbul Kultur University (IKU) The musical theater play "I Chose This Glamorous Dream," staged by the Fine Arts Application and Research Center (GSUAM), met with art lovers on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 19:30 at the Akıngüç Auditorium and Art Center in the Ataköy building on the Bakırköy Campus. The play, which tells the story of veteran actor-director Hakan Altınel's 55-year journey, took the audience back to the beautiful days of the past. With music and songs by Gonca Birol Bahar and Halis Murat Canaz, the play featured many roles and memories, from Yıldız Kenter to Haldun Dormen, from İlhan Şeşen to Nükhet Duru, and from Aydan Şener to Levent Kırca. The audience gave a standing ovation to the sparkling memories of an entire era of theater and life.

“A Clear Vision, A Happy Smile” Social Responsibility Project Coordination Meeting

A coordination meeting regarding the “A Clear Vision, A Happy Smile” social responsibility project, conducted in collaboration with the Istanbul Kültür University (IKU) Vocational School Program of Opticianry, the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Family and Social Services Bakırköy Social Servies Centre, and Veni Vidi Eye Hospital, was held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the Bakırköy District Governor’s Office.

During the meeting, the implementation process was discussed in detail in line with the project’s objectives and scope, and the roles and responsibilities of the stakeholder institutions were evaluated. Within this framework, the planning of eye examination services, the procedures related to the provision of eyeglasses, and the workflow for field implementation were reviewed.

Implemented through a public–university–private sector collaboration model, the project aims to support disadvantaged individuals’ access to vision care, enhance their quality of life, and strengthen social awareness.

IKUANTS TEKMER Internship Applications Now Open

Internship applications have opened as of Thursday, February 5, 2026, for students seeking internship opportunities and for entrepreneurial companies operating within the IKUANTS TEKMER ecosystem that wish to host interns.

Within this scope, companies requesting interns within the IKUANTS TEKMER ecosystem and students seeking internship placements may participate in the process through the designated application forms.

Applications can be accessed by scanning the QR code available on the relevant page. Applicants may complete the appropriate form according to whether they are applying as a student or as a company.

All applications will be evaluated under the coordination of IKUANTS TEKMER, and the relevant parties will be contacted based on suitable matches.

İKÜ MYO Participated in the MEDEK Accreditation Process Information Meeting

Istanbul Kültür University (IKU) Vocational School (MYO), led by Director Prof. Dr. Mehmet Özer, is resolutely continuing its preparations for the MEDEK accreditation process for four programs whose preliminary applications have been completed.

In this context, our MYO Director Prof. Dr. Mehmet Özer, Vocational School Quality and Accreditation Coordinator Dr. Lecturer Canan Bulut, and Strategy and Quality Management Unit Head Lecturer Erdem Yücesan attended the "2026–2027 Accreditation Process Information Meeting" organized by MEDEK on February 12, 2026.

IKU MYO aims to provide its students with a more qualified and sustainable educational environment through this process, which is carried out with a focus on quality assurance and continuous improvement.

Assoc. Prof. Selda Salman Sakızlı Delivered a Talk at TESAK

Head of the Department of Common Courses, Assoc. Prof. Selda Salman Sakızlı, delivered a talk on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the Kadıköy Municipality History, Literature and Art Library (TESAK). Within the framework of the theoretical approach of Axel Honneth, one of the leading thinkers of contemporary philosophy, she addressed the fundamental concepts of social criticism. The event, held with contributions from Assist. Prof. Tuğba Sevinç and moderated by Prof. Dr. Kurtul Gülenç, focused particularly on the concepts of “recognition” and “misrecognition,” discussing their determining effects on individuals’ subjective experiences and on social structures.

“Assessment and Evaluation in Adult Education –1 "

The seminar titled “Assessment and Evaluation in Adult Education –1 " was organized by the Department of Public Relations and Advertising on Monday, February 9, 2026, within the scope of the “Training of Trainers” program for full-time academic staff.

The seminar, delivered by IKUSEM Director Lecturer Zafer Erkoç, provided insights into building bridges of understanding through six learning metrics within the 2026-2030 modern learning ecosystem and supporting students in rapidly adapting to real working life through future-oriented learning competencies.

Izmit - Kartepe Kuzu Yayla Snow Walk

The IKU Underwater Club organized the "Izmit - Kartepe Kuzu Yayla Snow Walk" event on Saturday, February 7. Accompanied by local guides from the region, 13 of our members enjoyed a pleasant time in nature during the event.

"Occupational Accident (Piercing-Cutting Injuries) and Safety Measures in Health Services" Training

An event titled "Occupational Accident (Piercing-Cutting Injuries) and Safety Measures in Health Services" was organized by the Department of Nursing on Wednesday, February 11 at 10.00 at the Önder Öztunalı Conference Hall in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus. Nurse Dr. Pakize Akgün from Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine attended the event as a speaker, which was held to increase the theoretical and practical knowledge level of students on piercing-cutting injuries.

"PR 4.0: Reputation Management in the Digital World"

The Program of Public Relations and Advertising held a talk titled "PR 4.0: Reputation Management in the Digital World" on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 14:00 in Room 1A01 of the İncirli Building on the Bakırköy Campus. Hatice Kumalar, President of Brandİstanbul PR Agency, participated as a speaker at the event and informed participants about reputation management, one of the most important topics of the digital age. Kumalar also discussed the concept of PR 4.0, digital communication strategies, and the changing dynamics of public relations, accompanied by examples from the industry.

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

Princes Palace Hotel Practical Training

A practical training event will be organized by the Tourism and Hotel Management Program on Tuesday, February 17 between 10.00-17.00 at the Princes Palace Hotel in Büyükada.

"Global Trends in Public Relations and the Transforming Communication Ecosystem"

The Program of Public Relations and Publicity will organize a talk titled "Global Trends in Public Relations and the Transforming Communication Ecosystem" in order to raise awareness of current approaches by addressing the changing and transforming communication ecosystem. The event, where Bahar Ünal Communication Consultancy Agency President Gürsu Bahar Ünal will be the speaker, will be held on Tuesday, February 17 at 14.00 in the 1A01 classroom in the İncirli building of the Bakırköy Campus.

"Disinformation in the Media" Conference

In cooperation with IKU Youth Office and the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Türkiye, a conference titled "Disinformation in the Media" will be held in order to draw attention to the effects of disinformation spreading rapidly in the media on individuals and society. The event, where Lawyer Eylem Kahraman and our Head of Corporate Communications Department & Clinical Psychologist Nilgün Eryeşil will be speakers, will be held on Tuesday, February 17 at 14.00 at the Önder Öztunalı Conference Hall in the Ataköy building of the Bakırköy Campus.

"Conditions for Becoming a Flight Dispatcher within the Scope of DGCA's New System Change"

In cooperation with the Civil Aviation Club and the Flight Operations Management Program, a talk titled "Conditions for Becoming a Flight Dispatcher within the Scope of DGCA's New System Change" will be held in order to support the career planning processes of students. The event, where Chief Dispeçer Çağatan Kazım from Turkish Airlines will be the speaker, will be held on Tuesday, February 17 at 15.00 in the 1A01 amphitheater in the İncirli building of the Bakırköy Campus.

Animal Protection Club Charity Bazaar

The Animal Protection Club will hold a charity bazaar on Wednesday, February 18, at the stand area on the B1 floor of the Ataköy building in the Bakırköy Campus to raise funds for the medical and feeding needs of our little friends on campus.

ANTSPARK DEMODAY

Following an intensive training and mentoring process conducted as part of the ANTSPARK Pre-Incubation Program, startups will take the stage for the grand finale. Entrepreneurs who have spent months refining their ideas, clarifying their business models, and developing their projects will make their presentations to the jury and guests at the ANTSPARK DEMODAY, which will be held at the IKUANTS TEKMER office in the Ataköy building on the Bakırköy Campus on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 12:30.

"Patentnovation 2026: The Practical Journey from Idea to Patent"

In collaboration with the Technology Transfer Office (TTO) and the Vocational School, an event titled "Patentnovation 2026" will be held on Wednesday, February 18, between 10:00 and 16:00 at the İncirli building. The event will cover patentability criteria, national and international application processes, and the stages of preparing an invention disclosure. In the "Patent Hackathon" section of the event, industry representatives and academics will come together to contribute to the development and concretization of innovative ideas.

IKU Orchestra Bakırköy Municipality Leyla Gencer Opera and Arts Center Concert

The IKU Orchestra will give a "Turkish Pop Night" concert at the Bakırköy Municipality Leyla Gencer Opera and Arts Center on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, between 20:00 and 22:00.

"PCB Soldering Competition"

The Technology Transfer Office, in collaboration with the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering and the IEEE Club, will organize a "PCB Soldering Competition" to develop students' technical knowledge and practical skills. The competition will take place on Friday, February 20, at 10:00 in the Electrical and Electronics Laboratory in the Ataköy building. Participants will be evaluated based on speed, technical accuracy, and manual dexterity. Students who wish to participate can register via the QR code on the poster.

Violence Under the Mask of Romance

The Societal Gender Equality Club will organize a conference titled "Violence Under the Mask of Romance" to draw attention to dating violence, which often goes unnoticed, especially among young people. The event, featuring Psychologist Emirhan Onur Ataş from the Ministry of Health as a speaker, will be held on Friday, February 20, at 12:00 via the CATS platform.

AKPAZ Weekly Menu

The menu of AKPAZ restaurants for the week of 16-20 February 2026 has been announced.

Please click to access the weekly menu...

This Journal was prepared by the General Secretariat with the contribution of the Directorate of Information System and Technologies.