790 social scientists graduated from Medipol ready to understand people and society

Committed to educating graduates who understand people, interpret society, and help shape the future through critical inquiry, the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Istanbul Medipol University proudly celebrated its newest graduates at the 2026 Graduation Ceremony. Held at the B4 Garden of the Kavacık South Campus, the ceremony was attended by Prof. Recep Öztürk, Vice President of Istanbul Medipol University; Prof. Gökhan Malkoç, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and Chair of the Department of Psychology; Prof. Bekir Berat Özipek, Chair of the Department of Political Science and Public Administration; Prof. Halil Kürşat Aslan, Chair of the Department of Political Science and International Relations; together with academic staff, administrative personnel, students, and their families.
  

Students graduating from the Psychology (Turkish), Psychology (English), Political Science and Public Administration (Turkish), Political Science and Public Administration (English), and Political Science and International Relations programs received their diplomas and celebrated one of the most memorable milestones of their university years. Throughout the ceremony, speakers emphasized that education in the social sciences extends beyond professional knowledge, serving as a foundation for justice, conscience, critical thinking, and social responsibility. 

PROF. ÖZTÜRK: AS SOCIAL SCIENTISTS, YOU WILL HOLD A MIRROR TO SOCIETY
Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Recep Öztürk, Vice President of Istanbul Medipol University, described the School of Humanities and Social Sciences as one of the University's most dynamic schools, distinguished by its academic approach centered on people, society, and universal values.

He noted that the School prepares graduates who can think critically, understand society, and explore the complexities of human nature through disciplines such as psychology, political science, public administration, and international relations.

"We do not regard university education as merely the transfer of mechanical knowledge. Rather, we see it as a process of cultivating character, morality, analytical thinking, and a profound human spirit."

Addressing the graduates, Öztürk emphasized that being a social scientist requires far more than academic expertise. He encouraged them to guide society while remaining faithful to reason, conscience, ethics, and science. 
 

INTERNATIONAL ACCREDITATION CONFIRMS THE QUALITY OF SOCIAL SCIENCE EDUCATION
Öztürk also highlighted the University's commitment to quality, noting that Istanbul Medipol University holds a five-year Full Institutional Accreditation and that all five undergraduate programs within the School of Humanities and Social Sciences have received five-year accreditation from FIBAA.

"These achievements provide the strongest evidence that the quality of our education meets international standards."

Referring to a world challenged by wars, global injustice, and humanitarian crises, Öztürk stressed that social scientists carry a profound moral responsibility.

"Your pen, your words, and your free conscience are the only light capable of repairing this weary world that humanity's unchecked ambitions have damaged."
 

PROF. MALKOÇ PAYS TRIBUTE TO İLBER ORTAYLI
Prof. Gökhan Malkoç, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, began his address by commemorating Prof. İlber Ortaylı, a distinguished member of the Istanbul Medipol University family who recently passed away.

He noted that Ortaylı would be remembered not only for his outstanding contributions to the field of history but also for his ability to bring history to broad audiences.

"He always reminded us that knowledge must be shared and passed on to future generations."

Expressing the University's gratitude, Malkoç added:

"We will always remember him with appreciation for his passion for knowledge, his extraordinary scholarship, and the countless students he inspired."
 

"A UNIVERSITY MUST BE AN INSTITUTION OF CONSCIENCE"
Malkoç reminded graduates that they had completed their education during an extraordinary period marked by economic uncertainty, growing social inequality, and challenges to justice.

He described their diplomas as symbols not only of academic achievement but also of perseverance, resilience, and determination.

Although artificial intelligence and advanced technologies continue to transform daily life, he observed that equal opportunity remains an unresolved challenge. "A university must be an institution of conscience, one that pursues truth and defends reason, science, and human dignity."

He also addressed the need for legal regulation of the psychology profession, arguing that defining the professional framework for psychologists can no longer be postponed.

Calling on policymakers, public institutions, and the private sector, he urged: "Trust our young people. Give them opportunities to realize their full potential."
 

"UNDERSTANDING PEOPLE AND GUIDING THEM IS OUR GREATEST STRENGTH"
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Dilara Demirel, the Faculty Representative, emphasized that although students came from different disciplines, they shared a common academic foundation centered on understanding people.

She explained that throughout her education she had developed herself through academic scholarships, TÜBİTAK projects, and the European Solidarity Corps, while proudly graduating second in her department.

Addressing her fellow graduates, Demirel noted that although artificial intelligence is transforming many professions, social scientists possess a unique strength that machines can never replicate.

"Understanding people and helping guide them will become even more valuable in the years ahead."
 

SUCCESS ON STAGE, CONSCIENCE IN EVERY WORD
The ceremony also celebrated the outstanding achievements of the top graduates.

Commemorative plaques were presented to Nidem Özcan, top graduate of the Psychology (Turkish) Program; Ayşe Eda Güler, top graduate of the Psychology (English) Program; Yavuz Selim Tarı, top graduate of the Political Science and Public Administration (Turkish) Program; Aylin Ertaş, top graduate of the Political Science and Public Administration (English) Program; and Yusup Seyidov, top graduate of the Political Science and International Relations Program.

Speaking on behalf of her classmates, Aylin Ertaş described graduation as the beginning of a new chapter. "Today is not an ending but a hopeful new beginning for all of us."

Ayşe Eda Güler emphasized professional responsibility, stating: "As psychologists, we must not simply speak about justice, honesty, and ethical values, we must put them into practice."

Yavuz Selim Tarı congratulated his classmates and thanked his family and professors before expressing his hope for freedom and justice in East Turkestan.

Nidem Özcan reminded her fellow graduates: "Today is not an ending but a new beginning for all of us."

Meanwhile, Yusup Seyidov reflected on the opportunities the University had provided throughout his academic journey from Istanbul to European cities. He concluded his speech by saying: "As we celebrate our graduation today, I would like to respectfully commemorate Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, who made it possible for us to pursue contemporary education and scientific progress."

The commemorative plaques were presented by Prof. Gökhan Malkoç, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and Chair of the Department of Psychology; Prof. Bekir Berat Özipek, Chair of the Department of Political Science and Public Administration; and Prof. Halil Kürşat Aslan, Chair of the Department of Political Science and International Relations.
 

CAPS WERE TOSSED, AND NEW STORIES BEGAN
After receiving their diplomas, graduates of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences celebrated years of dedication by tossing their caps into the air. Leaving the ceremony to enthusiastic applause, the new social scientists embarked on the next chapter of their lives, equipped with the knowledge and perspective to better understand people, interpret society, and contribute meaningfully to the future.