STK's and Student Clubs Meet at İZÜ Campus

Organized in collaboration with the Turkey Volunteer Associations Foundation (TGTV), the Union of Civil Society Organizations of the Islamic World (İDSB), and Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, STKFest’25 kicked off at İZÜ Stadium. The opening ceremony of the event, with the theme 'Support for Gaza,' was attended by Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, the Consul General of Bangladesh in Istanbul Muhammad Mizanur Rahman, İZÜ Board of Trustees Chairman Özkan Göksal, Deputy Chairmen Mustafa Büyükabacı and İsrafil Kışla, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa Rector Prof. Dr. Nuri Aydın, Haliç University Rector Prof. Dr. Nihat İnanç, İZÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Cevat Acar, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. İsmail Küçük, Prof. Dr. Erhan İçener, and Prof. Dr. Nihat Erdoğmuş, İZÜ Secretary General Dr. Fatih Hasdemir, Istanbul Provincial Director of National Education Murat Mücahit Yentür, Küçükçekmece District Governor Mustafa Anteplioğlu, Küçükçekmece District Director of National Education Emin Çıkrıkçı, TGTV Founders Board Chairman Hamza Akbulut, TGTV Executive and Management Board Chairman İsmail Tuğrul, İDSB General Secretary Eyüp Akbal, along with STK executives, academics, and students.

The event, which was combined with İZÜ's 15th Club Opening Festival, brought together student clubs from İbn Haldun, Istanbul Commerce, and Haliç Universities with TGTV-member STKs and public institutions. The program aims to strengthen cooperation with STKs, promote volunteerism, and build a culture of social solidarity.

A Hope Tree Was Planted for Gaza
The festival kicked off with the “Planting a Hope Tree for Gaza” and “Silence March for Gaza” events, attended by Governor Davut Gül and protocol members, along with 29 STKs, public institutions, and student clubs from universities. In the opening speech, İZÜ Student Affairs and Clubs Department Head Hülya Şekerci thanked all participants, saying, "In an era where individuality is emphasized, we are searching for ways to be 'together'." TGTV Executive and Management Board Chairman İsmail Tuğrul also expressed hope that this first edition of STKFest would become a tradition, highlighting the importance of walking together to connect with the youth. He said, "We are seeking answers to the question 'How can we grow together?' Here, youth are the hosts, and STKs are the guests."

Rector Acar: The Active Role of STKs is Important for the Contribution of Society to Public Administration
İDSB General Secretary Eyüp Akbal stated that "STKFest is not just an event, but an awakening of thought and conscience" and expressed satisfaction in uniting the energy of youth with the conscience of STKs. TGTV Founders Board Chairman Hamza Akbulut reminded that we are the heirs of a foundation civilization. İZÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Cevat Acar then spoke, emphasizing that one of the functions of universities is to serve society. He noted that İZÜ has been acting with this awareness for 15 years. Acar continued, "The active presence of STKs in a country is important for the contribution of society to public administration. But perhaps equally important is the role they play in providing services that governments are unable to deliver, both domestically and internationally. Their mission during the genocide, which we have been horrified to witness for the past two years, is the clearest evidence of this."

Governor Gül: We Will Continue to Uphold the 'World Is Bigger Than Five' Claim
Istanbul Governor Davut Gül pointed out the significance of the festival, which was held for the first time this year. He said, "As in our tradition, civil society awareness is very high today. Through STKs, we reach all corners of the world, standing by those in need and the oppressed. For STKs to work towards their goals, they need human capital and volunteers. This task primarily falls on all of us, especially the youth. Your support is crucial and significant for continuing the claim 'The World Is Bigger Than Five,' as expressed by our President."

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the protocol visited the booths set up by nearly 40 institutions, STKs, and student clubs.

The first day of the festival concluded with a piano recital, a poetry competition using artificial intelligence, and other activities. The festival will continue on its second day with competitions, award ceremonies, and a "Brotherhood Dinner.