The Erasmus+ Unit/Department Coordinators Briefing Meeting was held on Thursday, October 23, under the coordination of the International Relations Office at Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University.

The meeting was attended by the International Relations Office team, along with academic and administrative staff from across the university.

During the session, participants were informed about the Erasmus+ 2025 project call, student and staff mobility procedures, renewal of bilateral agreements, use of digital platforms, and documentation processes. The meeting also included discussions aimed at strengthening collaboration and communication among coordinators to ensure more effective implementation of program activities.

The meeting concluded with a Q&A session and mutual exchange of ideas.

Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University took part in the International Zero Waste Forum held in Istanbul from October 17–19, 2025. The event was organized under the patronage of Mrs. Emine Erdoğan, wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, hosted by the Zero Waste Foundation, and supported by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

The forum brought together representatives from relevant ministries, universities, local governments, private sector organizations, academics, and members of the media to exchange ideas on the expansion of zero waste policies, circular economy practices, and sustainable living models.

Representing our university, Assistant Coordinator of the Zero Waste Program Lecturer Uğur Kayiş attended the event. Throughout the forum, exemplary practices were reviewed in areas such as improving waste management processes, efficient resource use, and fostering environmental sustainability awareness.

Academics from Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University took part in the 3rd “Ignite – Spark Your Idea” Summit and Entrepreneur Awards Ceremony, organized by ATAP Inc. as part of the Eskişehir Technology Development Zone. The event brought together key stakeholders from government, academia, industry, and the entrepreneurship ecosystem.

The summit was attended by our Rector Prof. Dr. Zafer Asım Kaplancıklı, Eskişehir Governor Hüseyin Aksoy, Chairman of the Eskişehir Organized Industrial Zone Board Nadir Küpeli, Chairman of ATAP Inc. Metin Saraç, and rectors from regional universities.

During the “Entrepreneurship Stage” segment of the summit, Dr. Lecturer Behlül Ersoy, Director of our Pazaryeri Vocational School, presented the “Renova Akademi” project developed in collaboration with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hasan Meral from Marmara University. Additionally, Lecturer Gökhan Özdemir from our Vocational School showcased his project titled “GEM Automation.”

The presentations, which drew significant interest from participants, once again highlighted our university’s innovative research potential and its commitment to fostering academia–industry collaboration.

In line with its vision to enhance educational quality on a global scale and expand its international academic network, Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University, through the coordination of its International Relations Office, signed significant cooperation agreements at EAIE 2025 (European Association for International Education), held in Gothenburg, Sweden.

As part of the event, protocols were signed with Westcliff University (USA) and Georgian American University (Georgia), covering student and academic staff exchange, joint research projects, and various academic activities.

In addition to the EAIE fair, Associate Professor Dr. Medera Halmatov represented our university in signing a bilateral protocol with Zhetysu University (Kazakhstan), aimed at academic and cultural collaboration. Furthermore, faculty members from various departments also formalized cooperation agreements with international universities. Assistant Professor Dr. Onur Ağkaya signed a protocol with Universidad de Cádiz (Spain) within the scope of the Department of Business Administration, while Assistant Professor Dr. Sevide Şencan signed a protocol with Università degli Studi di Foggia (Italy) within the scope of the Faculty of Medicine.

Hosted by Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University, the 2nd Industrial Sustainability and Green Transformation Workshop (ESYED) took place on October 16–17, 2025, at the Conference Hall of the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences.

The two-day workshop opened with speeches by our Vice Rector and Technology Transfer Office (TTO) Coordinator Prof. Dr. Murat Yurdakul, Director of the Graduate Education Institute Prof. Dr. Cenk Karakurt, and Head of the Department of Industrial Sustainability Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şenay Balbay.

Now in its second year, the workshop featured presentations on key topics such as sustainable production, green transformation policies, carbon management, renewable energy, and the circular economy.

Representatives from prominent institutions—including Türk Telekom, Turkcell, Zorlu Holding, Yapı Kredi, Koç University, Gübretaş Mining, RSM Türkiye, RHG EnerTürk, Kimpur, the Sustainable Trade Association, and Blueit—participated in the event.

Participants exchanged ideas on strengthening sustainability goals through industry–university collaboration, reducing environmental impact, and expanding the implementation of green economy practices.

The workshop concluded with Q&A sessions followed by closing remarks.

Dr. Enes Efendioğlu, Director General of Youth Services at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, met with student communities at Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University as part of the University Youth Support System Project (UNİDES).

The program, held on our campus, was also attended by our Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Kurban and Bilecik Provincial Director of Youth and Sports Ramazan Demir.

In his speech, Dr. Efendioğlu emphasized that the UNİDES Project is a framework designed to support young people's personal development, sense of social responsibility, and engagement in volunteer activities. He noted that students can benefit from the project to make their university years more active, productive, and socially impactful.

The program concluded with a Q&A session and an exchange of views from student community representatives.

The “2nd International Traces of Youth in Ceramics Competition,” which brought together young artists from various cities across Türkiye and countries around the world, was organized to support emerging talent and contribute to contemporary trends in ceramic art.

In this prestigious event, students and alumni from the Ceramics and Glass Department of Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University’s Faculty of Fine Arts and Design achieved remarkable international success. Graduate student Deniz Tutgun was awarded third prize for her piece titled “Water”, while alumna Nurgin Çetin received an honorable mention for her work “I Have Dreams Too.”

Additionally, graduate students Belgin Albayrak Sınır and Esra Yıldırım were selected for exhibition with their collaborative piece “It Was Life in the Sandpit,” and Muhammed Fatih Çoban with “Is Anyone There?” Also among the artists chosen for exhibition was Research Assistant Ozan Bebek from the Ceramics and Glass Department, with his work “Paroxysm.”

The exhibition opened on October 3, 2025, at the Ahmed Adnan Saygun Art Center in İzmir, drawing significant attention from art enthusiasts. Featuring artists from 15 cities across Türkiye and 8 different countries, the event was met with great interest and acclaim.

According to the results of the 2026 World University Rankings announced by Times Higher Education (THE) on October 9, 2025, Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University has once again secured a place on the list, continuing its presence from previous years. THE evaluates the world’s leading universities using a comprehensive methodology. To be included in the rankings, institutions must have produced at least 1,000 academic publications indexed in the Scopus database over the past five years, conduct research across diverse disciplines such as life sciences, engineering, and physical sciences, and offer undergraduate-level education.

The evaluation framework consists of five main categories and 18 sub-indicators:

Teaching environment (29.5%)

Research environment (29%)

Research quality (30%)

International outlook (7.5%)

Industry income (4%)

Metrics include research impact, citation performance, research income, productivity, faculty-to-student ratio, international student ratio, global collaborations, and industrial revenues.

For the 2026 ranking cycle, 3,118 universities from around the world applied, and 2,191 were included in the final list. Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University was placed in the 1501+ band in the overall global ranking and ranked 41st among 109 Turkish universities whose applications were accepted.

Notably, the university improved its position in two key categories:

Research Quality: from 1,736th to 1,647th

International Outlook: from 1,392nd to 1,372nd

With these advancements, our university climbed 89 places in research quality and 20 places in international outlook, marking a statistically significant improvement in scientific performance indicators. This progress reflects a growing global academic competitiveness and enhanced research visibility for Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University.

The entrance area of Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University’s Faculty of Health Sciences has been enhanced with artworks prepared by the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, bringing an aesthetic transformation to the space. The pieces installed at the B entrance and the Dean’s Office have created a visually rich and artistic atmosphere for both students and staff.

The ceramic plate installations were created by students from the Department of Painting as part of the course Painting on Ceramic Surfaces, taught by Dr. Lecturer Elif Gündüz from the Department of Ceramics and Glass. This course, which emphasizes interdisciplinary interaction within the fine arts, is the first of its kind offered by the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design.

During the placement of the selected works—considered the first examples of this course—a review meeting was held with the participation of Vice Rector and Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design Prof. Dr. Murat Yurdakul, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Prof. Dr. Çağlayan Açıkgöz, Head of the Department of Painting Assoc. Prof. İrfan Dönmez, and course instructor Dr. Lecturer Elif Gündüz. The meeting included discussions on the student works produced during the course, and the selected pieces were permanently installed in designated areas based on joint decisions.

This initiative not only fostered a culture of collaboration between faculties but also reaffirmed the value that art brings to university life.

The 2025–2026 Academic Year Opening and Robe Donning Ceremony of Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University was held in the university’s Indoor Sports Hall.

The ceremony was attended by Bilecik Governor Faik Oktay Sözer, Bilecik Mayor Melek Mızrak Subaşı, Chief Public Prosecutor Burak Olgun, President of the Judicial Judiciary and Justice Commission Mehmet Kurt, Bar Association President Halime Kahraman, our Rector Prof. Dr. Zafer Asım Kaplancıklı, Provincial Gendarmerie Commander Senior Colonel Ali Vanlı, Acting Provincial Police Chief Özgür Nihat Dönmez, members of the provincial protocol, academic and administrative staff, and students.

The program began with a moment of silence and the singing of the National Anthem. This was followed by the screening of the university’s promotional film and a musical performance by one of our students.

Opening Speeches

In his speech, our Rector Prof. Dr. Zafer Asım Kaplancıklı began by addressing the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Palestine, particularly in Gaza. He expressed that we carry the pain of those affected in our hearts, emphasizing that human rights and international law are being blatantly violated, and reaffirmed our unwavering support for the people of Palestine.

Following this, he shared recent achievements of the university, stating that Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University—rooted in the deep history and ancient culture of Bilecik—is progressing with determination toward becoming a center of knowledge and wisdom. He wished for a successful academic year for our university, students, academics, and our country, and congratulated all academics who had the honor of donning their robes.

Bilecik Governor Faik Oktay Sözer also spoke at the event, highlighting the university’s contributions to the city and the country. He extended his best wishes for the new academic year and congratulated all faculty members who received awards and donned their academic robes.

Academic Awards Presented

As part of the ceremony, awards were presented to our faculty members Prof. Dr. Zafer Asım Kaplancıklı, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Oğuzhan Çağlayan, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cüneyt Çağlayan, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gamzenur Özsin, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mesut Işık, who were included in the “World’s Most Influential Scientists” list.

In addition, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mesut Işık, Prof. Dr. Adem Koçyiğit, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cüneyt Çağlayan, Prof. Dr. Mesut Doğan, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Onur Polat, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aslı Akdeniz Kudubeş received awards for being the most prolific publishers in Q1 and Q2 indexed journals.

Based on AVESİS data, awards were also presented to the most publishing academic units: Dean Prof. Dr. Bahadır Sayıncı on behalf of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Dean Prof. Dr. Çağlayan Açıkgöz on behalf of the Faculty of Health Sciences, and Vice Rector and Dean Prof. Dr. Mehmet Kurban on behalf of the Faculty of Engineering.

The ceremony also shared with the public that four new oat varieties developed by the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences were officially registered by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry as “Certified Production Varieties.” The academics involved in the project—Prof. Dr. Zeki Mut, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özge Doğanay Erbaş Köse, and Research Assistant Dr. Yusuf Murat Kardeş—were honored with awards.

Opening Lecture and Robe Donning Ceremony

The opening lecture of the academic year was delivered by Prof. Dr. Halim Demiryürek, a faculty member in the Department of History at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, under the themes “What Does the Past Tell Us?” and “What Does Modernization Require?”

Prof. Dr. Demiryürek emphasized that history is not merely a sequence of events, but a cumulative record of human experience, reasoning, and conscience. He defined modernization as the reasoning of the mind, the repetition of science, the assurance of law, and the continuity of institutions.

Drawing attention to the contradiction between the ideals of modernization and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, he posed powerful questions: “Where is modernization?” and “As science advances, where is conscience?” He stated, “Modernization is only meaningful where human dignity is upheld. If science progresses but conscience lags behind, modernity becomes nothing more than an illusion.”

Delivering a deeply reflective message in the university’s first lecture of the 2025–2026 academic year, Prof. Dr. Demiryürek continued:

“History is the knowledge of human experience. It is not enough to see smoke and say there is a fire; one must understand its cause and the traces it leaves behind. We must bind reason to measure, science to repetition, law to trust, institutions to continuity, human dignity to protection, and democracy to vitality. Only with these values can success be lasting.”

Comparing the experience of the Ottoman Empire with Europe’s modernization process, he highlighted the importance of coherence in “measure, rule, and standard” from the Renaissance to the Industrial Revolution.

Prof. Dr. Demiryürek delivered a powerful critique of the human limits of modernization, underscoring the tragedy in Gaza despite the claims of progress in science, technology, and the modern world. He asked:

“Where is modernization? What face of modernity allows children to die under bombs every day? Why does conscience fall silent while science advances?”

He concluded his speech by stressing that modernization, when severed from conscience, cannot serve humanity. He closed with these poignant lines:

Blood fell on the stones of Gaza,

The sky burned with the screams of children,

A body cooling in a mother’s arms,

Was recorded as the heaviest entry in the pages of history.

The program continued with the robe donning of newly appointed Professors, Associate Professors, and Assistant Professors.

The 2025–2026 Academic Year Opening and Robe Donning Ceremony concluded with a commemorative group photo.

As Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University, we wish all our students and academic staff a successful and fulfilling academic year.

The 2024–2025 Academic Year Graduation Ceremony of our university was held with great enthusiasm on Friday, June 27, at the University Stadium. Thousands of students celebrated their graduation day, while their families shared in the joy of this meaningful occasion.

The ceremony was attended by our Rector Prof. Dr. Zafer Asım Kaplancıklı, Gendarmerie Training Commander Major General Uğur Ertekin, Provincial Chief of Police Hakan Yılmaz, Söğüt Mayor Ferhat Durgut, Pazaryeri Mayor Zekiye Tekin, members of the provincial protocol, senate members, academic and administrative staff, students, and their families.

The event began with a ceremonial procession led by Rector Prof. Dr. Kaplancıklı, senate members, and faculty members. This was followed by a student procession, a moment of silence, and the singing of the Turkish National Anthem. After a screening of the university’s promotional film, Merve İrem Aktaş, the top-ranking student of the 2024–2025 academic year, delivered a heartfelt speech on behalf of the graduates.

In his opening address, Rector Prof. Dr. Kaplancıklı shared in the graduates’ happiness and emphasized the significance of their academic achievements for the future of society. Highlighting Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University’s commitment to quality education and scientific productivity, he stated:

“Our university aims not only to equip students with professional knowledge but also to instil ethical values, critical and strategic thinking skills, a sense of social responsibility, and cultural awareness.”

Addressing the graduates, he added:

“Dear graduates, who uphold justice, goodness, and service to society as guiding principles and strive to elevate our country beyond the level of contemporary civilizations — I wish you endless success and happiness on this meaningful journey. May your path be bright and your future full of promise.”

The ceremony was further enlivened by performances from the university’s Folk Dance Ensemble. As part of the program, certificates of achievement were presented to top-performing students in undergraduate and associate degree programs. These were awarded by members of the protocol, vice rectors, faculty deans, and school directors.

One of the most symbolic moments of the day was when Merve İrem Aktaş, the valedictorian of 2024–2025, hammered her name onto the university’s graduation plaque. Students received their symbolic diplomas from their professors and concluded the celebration by tossing their caps into the air in unison.

The joyous event came to a close with a graduation concert.

Findings from the Bahçelievler excavations—conducted between 2019 and 2021 under the scientific consultancy of Professor Dr. Erkan Fidan, Head of the Department of Archaeology at our university, in collaboration with the Municipality of Bilecik—have made a remarkable impact on the international scientific community.

DNA analyses carried out on 11 skeletons—unearthed at the excavation site and identified as belonging to the earliest known human inhabitants of Bilecik—have revealed new data shedding light on the Neolithic period. The research article titled “Out-of-Anatolia: Cultural and genetic interactions during the Neolithic expansion in the Aegean”, co-authored by researchers from Türkiye and Switzerland, was published in the latest issue of Science, one of the most prestigious academic journals in the world.

The study explores how agriculture and sedentary life spread from the Fertile Crescent to Anatolia and subsequently to the Aegean, by jointly analysing archaeological and genetic evidence. The findings uncovered by the excavation team led by Prof. Dr. Fidan were genetically analysed by researchers from Middle East Technical University (METU), Hacettepe University, and the University of Lausanne. This interdisciplinary approach provides a fresh perspective on human history by revealing that the spread of agricultural life occurred not only through migration, but also through cultural exchange and the sharing of ideas.

The large-scale integration of genetic and archaeological data—applied for the first time in this study—marks a turning point in prehistoric research, enabling a deeper examination of the complex layers of human history.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor Dr. Fidan and his team, and wish them continued success.

The results of the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025 — one of the world’s most prestigious university ranking systems — have been announced. This year, Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University once again participated in all 17 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) categories assessed by THE, successfully securing a ranking position in each, just as it did last year.

Among 2,318 institutions from 130 countries evaluated based on institutional data, the university was placed in the 1501+ overall band. Demonstrating notable progress, Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University advanced to a higher band in seven categories, underscoring its commitment to sustainable development and institutional excellence.

At the national level, the university achieved remarkable results:

• 6th place in “Good Health and Well-Being” (SDG 3)
• 7th place in “Responsible Consumption and Production” (SDG 12)
• 8th place in “Affordable and Clean Energy” (SDG 7)

These results reflect the university’s growing impact on both national and global scales in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The “Academic Performance Awards Ceremony,” a longstanding tradition of Anadolu University, was held once again this year to recognize outstanding academic achievements conducted throughout 2024. During the event, scholars who made significant contributions to scientific knowledge production and research culture were honoured across various categories.

At this distinguished ceremony, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Zafer Asım Kaplancıklı, was granted the “Academic Excellence Award” in recognition of his scholarly contributions and academic productivity. He received the award from Anadolu University Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Adıgüzel and also took part in the ceremony by presenting awards to other accomplished academics, representing Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University with distinction.

Awards were presented in several categories, including “Article Performance Awards,” “Academic Achievement Awards,” “Academic Excellence Awards,” “R&D, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Awards,” and “Thesis of the Year Awards.” Recipients were selected based on criteria such as quality, impact, and sustainable success in academic work.

The ceremony also highlighted the achievements of universities in national and international rankings, once again emphasizing the critical role of research and publication performance in institutional development.

Students who demonstrated exceptional performance in academic, cultural, artistic, and athletic fields throughout the 2024–2025 academic year were recognized at an award ceremony organized by the Bilecik Provincial Directorate of National Education.

The Education Achievement Awards Ceremony, held at the Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University Culture and Congress Centre, was attended by Deputy Governor Akın Ağca, our Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Kurban, members of the provincial protocol, school administrators, teachers, students, and their families.

As part of the program, a total of 181 students who achieved top rankings in various national and international competitions and brought success to Bilecik were presented with certificates and plaques in recognition of their accomplishments.

Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University played an active role in the World Environment Day events organized by the Bilecik Governorship Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. Held on May 29, 2025, at Pelitözü Lake Park, the environmental awareness event served as a platform for showcasing our university’s commitment to sustainability through its dedicated stand.

The informational booth, established by our university’s Assistant Coordinator for Zero Waste, Lecturer Uğur Kayış, together with members of the TEMA Student Club, featured a variety of educational materials aimed at promoting environmental awareness. Throughout the day, our students provided visitors with information on zero waste practices, recycling, and environmentally friendly lifestyle habits.

In addition to the booth, a series of interactive and educational games were organized for children, aiming to instil environmental consciousness from an early age. Our university volunteers actively contributed to the awareness campaign, supporting the dissemination of an eco-conscious culture and a more sustainable way of life.