At MAKÜ Science Cafe, "Being a University in Gaza" was discussed

The Science Communication Coordination of Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) organized a Science Cafe meeting where the struggle for science, education, and life in Gaza was addressed under the title "Being a University in Gaza".

In the program held at Medusa Valley Cafe, MAKÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar participated as the moderator, while faculty members from the Faculty of Theology Dr. Asmaa K.M. Mutair, Dr. Faculty Member Meral Sabun, Dr. Faculty Member Reyda Şıklaroğlu, and Palestinian nursing student from the Faculty of Health Sciences Sali Nemer participated as speakers.

In his opening speech, Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar stated that the events in Gaza should be evaluated not only regionally but also from a humanitarian perspective, expressing that universities should show sensitivity to social and humanitarian issues in addition to producing science.

Rector Dalgar drew attention to the efforts of universities, academics, and students in Gaza to continue their education and scientific activities despite harsh conditions, stating, "Universities are not just classrooms, laboratories, and workshops. The process of scientific production and learning can continue wherever there are humans."

Rector Dalgar emphasized that the events in Gaza impose significant responsibilities on the youth, highlighting the importance of raising individuals who possess a sense of conscience, justice, and fairness alongside having a good profession.

“We must be strong, equipped, and questioning individuals”

Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar continued his speech by stating that the events in Gaza contain important lessons for Turkey as well.

Emphasizing that Turkey should be a strong country in fields such as science, technology, defense industry, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, Rector Dalgar called on the youth to be individuals who not only use technology but also produce and develop it.

Rector Dalgar also drew attention to information pollution, stating that the accuracy of information encountered, especially on social media, should be investigated, saying, “We need to be individuals who question, do not immediately believe everything they hear; who pursue the information they hear, investigate its source, and question its accuracy.”

Prof. Dr. Dalgar advised the youth to primarily educate themselves well and develop their knowledge and skills, stating that strong and equipped individuals can contribute more to society and humanity.

“I greet you from Gaza”

In the program, Dr. Asmaa K.M. Mutair's speech evaluating the educational and academic life in Gaza was translated by Dr. Faculty Member Meral Sabun.

Addressing participants from Gaza, Mutair stated that education is not just an academic activity for the Palestinian people; it plays an important role in preserving identity, social memory, and hope for the future.

Mutair reported that schools, universities, and educational infrastructure in Gaza have been largely damaged, noting that many academics, teachers, and students have lost their lives. She expressed that laboratories, research centers, and classrooms of higher education institutions, especially Gaza Islamic University, have suffered severe damage, yet educational activities are still being attempted to be continued through different methods.

Mutair stated that online education, digital educational materials, and academic collaborations developed with different universities play an important role in this process, mentioning that despite limited technological opportunities, students are trying not to disconnect from education.

Mutair expressed that international education and reconstruction funds should be established to strengthen education in Gaza, and academic mobility programs should be developed to allow students to continue their education in different countries, emphasizing that education is one of the important tools for the people of Gaza to rebuild hope and the future.

“Education continues, hope persists”

Palestinian student Sali Nemer shared her feelings about the events in Gaza, saying, “let's pray and at the same time boycott.” She stated that she wanted to return to her country after completing her education and use her profession to serve the Palestinian people.

Dr. Faculty Member Reyda Şıklaroğlu reacted to the events in Gaza, stating that every segment of society has a duty regarding human rights and moral responsibility. Şıklaroğlu emphasized the importance of individual reactions and social sensitivity, stating that especially the youth should follow the developments with an understanding that questions what is happening and researches information sources.

The Science Cafe meeting concluded after the presentation of certificates of appreciation to the speakers.