Organized under the coordination of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security Turkish Employment Agency (İŞKUR), hosted by Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU), and in partnership with regional universities under the motto “The Era of Youth Productivity,” the Central Black Sea Career Fair (OKAF’26), held in Samsun on April 8–9, concluded with an award ceremony.

The fair attracted significant attention at the OMU Kurupelit Campus, which experienced one of its most vibrant periods, with approximately 25,000 visitors over two days.

Within the scope of the fair, a total of 38 events; including talks, presentations, panels, workshops, simulations, and competitions; were organized. Bringing together more than 100 institutions and organizations with students and graduates, the event featured 60 speakers who shared their experiences and inspiring stories with young people.

Rector Aydın and Provincial Director Dürümlü present plaques to sponsors

Atatürk Kongre ve Kültür Merkezinde dolu salonda düzenlen kapanış töreninde ödül ve teşekkür plaketleri alkışlarla sunuldu. Platin, Altın, Gümüş ve Bronz sponsorlara Orta Karadeniz Kariyer Fuarı anısına teşekkür belgesi ve plaketlerini OMÜ Rektörü Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın ve Samsun Çalışma ve İş Kurumu İl Müdürü Gökhan Dürümlü birlikte verdi.

Winners receive awards in competitions

Prizes were also awarded to finalists and winners of the “AI-Based Cybersecurity Hackathon” and the “Sustainable Cities Idea and Design Competition” organized within the scope of OKAF’26.

In the AI-Based Cybersecurity Hackathon, the first-place team was CyberFilter, consisting of Hiranur Gemalmaz, Nisa Dağdeviren, and Alim Kutay Cömert. The second-place team was TrapSENSE, consisting of Harun Enes Avcı, Yağız Efdal Sever, and Enes Talha Elcan, while the third-place team was SYSENTER, consisting of Borhan Tuğsan Balcı and Bekir Demir.

In the Sustainable Cities Idea and Design Competition, the first prize was awarded jointly to Ayşe Nur Atalay and Melek Şule Gürgil, the second prize to Ayça Aydın, and the third prize to Kaan Ürün.

The closing and award ceremony was attended by OMU Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın, Samsun Provincial Director Gökhan Dürümlü, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Alper Kesten, Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz and Prof. Dr. Ayşe Pınar Sumer, Secretary General Prof. Dr. Erhan Burak Pancar, OKAF’26 Coordinator and OMU Career Center Director Prof. Dr. Ayşenur Büyükgöze Kavas, members of the OKAF Organizing Committee, as well as numerous representatives of institutions, organizations and companies, NGO officials, citizens, and students.

The program concluded with a group photo session featuring protocol members, sponsors, and award-winning participants.

All news and detailed information about the Central Black Sea Career Fair can be accessed via okaf.omu.edu.tr and the @okaf_2026 social media accounts.

For a full photo gallery covering both days of OKAF’26, please visit: https://okaf.omu.edu.tr/fotograflar/