More than 30 countries united at the International Culture Festival: Free Palestine

Organized by the International Office of Istanbul Medipol University, the “International Culture Festival” united students from across the globe in an atmosphere of culture, music, and friendship. Held in the B4 Garden of the South Campus, the festival enabled students from more than 30 countries to introduce their cultures, creating a lively and highly attended international environment throughout the day.
 

Throughout the event, the festival grounds were transformed into a meeting point featuring melodies from different regions of the world, traditional dances, regional costumes, and culinary specialties from international cuisines. Students had the opportunity to showcase their cultures through country-specific exhibition stands, while visitors experienced the traditions of various nations firsthand. Bringing together different languages, musical traditions, and cultural backgrounds within a single environment, the event allowed students not only to enjoy themselves but also to appreciate once again the importance of intercultural exchange.
 

ÇEVİK: OUR CULTURAL DIVERSITY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT VALUE THAT STRENGTHENS MEDIPOL

Delivering the opening address of the festival, Sami Çevik, Deputy Director of the International Office of Istanbul Medipol University, emphasized that international students contribute significant cultural richness to the university and stated: 

“We are delighted to be with you today at this wonderful festival that brings together different cultures. Each of you enriches and strengthens the Medipol family by bringing the culture, traditions, and values of your respective countries to our university. This festival is not merely an event; it is one of the finest examples of friendship, sharing, and cultural unity.”
 

“EVERY FLAG, EVERY SONG CARRIES ITS OWN STORY”
Leen Alshabsough, a Jordanian student from the Department of Economics and Finance within the School of Business and Management Sciences at Istanbul Medipol University, and Mohammad Anas bin Waqas, a Pakistani student from the Department of Business Administration within the same School, also addressed the audience and emphasized the value that cultural diversity brings to university life.

The students noted that the festival was not limited to traditional clothing and cuisine, stating:

“Every table, every flag, and every song here carries a story. Culture Day reminds us that our differences are not what divide us; on the contrary, they are what make this place beautiful.”
 

“SUCH EVENTS BROADEN PEOPLE’S WORLDVIEWS”
Suray Arslanova, a Turkmen student in the Department of Nursing within the School of Health Sciences at Istanbul Medipol University, stated that the festival provided an opportunity to learn about different cultures and said:

“Studying in Türkiye and at Medipol has been a wonderful experience for me. Here, we meet people from every culture and learn about their lives. Events such as these broaden people’s perspectives and expand their understanding of the world.” 
 

“THE BEST ASPECT OF THE FESTIVAL IS THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE DIFFERENT CULTURES UP CLOSE”
Hosiyat Razzakova, a student from Uzbekistan studying at Istanbul Medipol University, explained that the festival had enabled her to establish friendships with people from different countries and stated:

“There are many people here from different nations, and I have made numerous friends from other countries. The most enjoyable aspect of the festival is that people introduce their own cultures to one another and spend meaningful time together.”
 

“AT MEDIPOL, I FEEL LIKE PART OF AN INTERNATIONAL FAMILY”
Elif Çalhanoğlu, a Yemeni student in the Anaesthesia Programme at Istanbul Medipol University, stated that the festival created a special atmosphere for international students and remarked:

“Istanbul is a wonderful city in which to live and pursue an education. Being in the same environment as people from different cultures at Medipol is a truly valuable experience. Through this festival, we meet new people and have the opportunity to discover different cultures, traditional clothing, and cuisines. At Medipol, I feel like part of an international family.”

STUDENTS DID NOT FORGET PALESTINE
As part of the festival, students chanted various slogans to draw attention to Israel’s ongoing attacks on Gaza and to express solidarity with the Palestinian people. Carrying Palestinian flags, students highlighted the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Gaza through chants of “Free Palestine” and “From the River to the Sea, Free Palestine.” Messages of support for Palestine resonated throughout the festival grounds, while students expressed their hope for an end to the war and to attacks targeting civilians.