The Opening Lecture of the 2025–2026 Academic Year at Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) will be delivered by Prof. Dr. Mehmet Görmez, former President of Religious Affairs and founding figure of the Institute of Islamic Thought, with the title: “My First Lecture: Palestine.”

Program Details

The Academic Year Opening will begin at 13:30 with a wreath-laying ceremony at the OMU Atatürk Monument.

The main event will take place at the OMU Atatürk Congress and Culture Center on Friday, October 3, starting at 14:00, with the participation of the Samsun protocol, faculty members, students, and the wider university community.

This year’s opening lecture has been designed in line with the Council of Higher Education’s (YÖK) call for universities to focus on the “Gaza and Palestine Issue” as the central theme of their academic openings.

The event is a joint effort by the OMU Rectorate and the Faculty of Theology.

In his address, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Görmez will discuss the historical, religious, and humanitarian dimensions of the Palestine issue. The lecture aims to offer a meaningful start to the new academic year.

Note for Faculty

Academic staff are expected to attend both segments of the program wearing their ceremonial robes.

Program Schedule

13:30 – Wreath Laying at OMU Atatürk Monument (University Administration)

14:00 – 2025–2026 Academic Year Opening Ceremony

• Moment of Silence & National Anthem
• Opening Remarks by the Protocol
• Opening Lecture by Prof. Dr. Mehmet GÖRMEZ

16:00 – Closing of the Ceremony