OSTİM Technical University—renowned for its focus on industry, technology, and entrepreneurship—held its sixth annual International Culture Day this year. At the university, where students from 83 countries study, diverse cultures came together to create a vibrant mosaic.
At the event, students had the opportunity to experience the culinary traditions, folk dances, and handicrafts of various countries. Numerous embassies and international organizations also took part. In addition to the embassies of Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Cambodia, Brunei, Libya, the Philippines, Nigeria, the Dominican Republic, Thailand, Rwanda, Yemen, Togo, Paraguay, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Palestine, Azerbaijan, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Venezuela, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan, several cultural institutions—including the Russian House, Yunus Emre Institute, TURKSOY, and the Ankara Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism—introduced their cultures by setting up booths at the event.
The University's Folk Dance and Music Group captivated the audience with vibrant performances featuring dances from the Turkic Republics, the Middle East, and Africa. During the event, a moment of silence was observed in solidarity with the Palestinian people, and a message of peace and unity was conveyed.
Delivering the opening speech at International Culture Day, OSTİM Technical University Rector Prof. Dr. Murat Ali Yülek emphasized the university’s internationalization goals and conveyed important messages regarding current global developments.
At OSTİM Technical University, we consider increasing the number of international academics and students one of our primary objectives. International Culture Day, where diverse cultures converge, is not merely a cultural celebration—it is a vital platform for fostering peace, brotherhood, and mutual understanding. Unfortunately, tensions are rising in various parts of the world today. The recent attack by India on the Pakistan border has deeply saddened us all. There are no winners in such conflicts. As universities, we have a responsibility to bring cultures together, to promote peace and dialogue, and to instill these values in the leaders of tomorrow.
On this special day, I would like to thank all the embassies, institutes and student communities that add color to our university, and I emphasize once again that we must continue to work together for a peaceful world.”
The event was enriched with cultural presentations, stage shows and interactive workshops throughout the day. Participants had the opportunity to get to know different geographies closely and experience cultural interaction..
