The scholars who received the İlim Yayma Awards in 2019 met with doctoral students at Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University (IZU). Over a two-day program, the academics shared their experiences and insights with their young colleagues.
Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University hosted the event titled “Experience Speaks,” which brought together the recipients of the İlim Yayma Awards and doctoral students. The program, held in the IZU Museum Hall, was attended by IZU Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Cevat Acar, Chairman of the İlim Yayma Awards Commission Prof. Dr. İdris Sarısoy, and Member of the İlim Yayma Awards Academic Commission Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rahman Dağ.
During the event, Prof. Dr. Fikrettin Şahin, recipient of the 2019 Grand İlim Yayma Award, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Zahmakıran, winner of the Engineering, Natural, and Health Sciences Award, and Prof. Dr. İlyas Kemaloğlu, winner of the Social Sciences Award, shared their academic experiences and perspectives with doctoral students from various universities.
ŞAHİN: “True Independence Requires Reducing External Dependence”
Speaking at a session moderated by IZU Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Cevat Acar, Prof. Dr. Fikrettin Şahin emphasized that for a country to be truly independent, it must reduce its reliance on external sources. “We aim to achieve new developments by investing in biotechnology. In this regard, scientists bear significant responsibilities,” he said.
ZAHMAKIRAN: “The Key to Success Is Curiosity and a Desire for Lifelong Learning”
Prof. Dr. Mehmet Zahmakıran highlighted that curiosity and a continuous desire to learn are at the heart of being a successful scientist. He stated:
“If you want to become a good scientist, you must constantly ask yourself ‘why?’. Set realistic goals. When improving your foreign language skills, don’t just study to pass exams-learn to truly understand.”
KEMALOĞLU: “The Perception of History Has Changed”
Prof. Dr. İlyas Kemaloğlu drew attention to the digital transformation in the field of history. “The perception of history has changed thanks to academic research. Digital history studies have taken historical research to an entirely new level,” he said, emphasizing the importance of language in historical studies. He noted that research meticulously examining local elements reveals valuable new insights about the culture and geography of the regions studied.
“Lantern Night Tour” at the Yedikule Dungeons
On the second day of the program, participants visited Sultanahmet Mosque, Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Gülhane Park, and the Spice Bazaar, accompanied by the award-winning academics. The gathering concluded with a “Lantern Night Tour” held at the Yedikule Dungeons.