The “International Culture Festival,” which has become a tradition at Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University and was organized for the fifth time this year, was held at the IZU Stadium. Hundreds of students from 30 different countries brought their local colors, sounds, and flavors to the campus.
The festival once again attracted great interest with the participation of IZU Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Küçük, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Erhan İçener and Prof. Dr. Nihat Erdoğmuş, IZU Secretary General Dr. Fatih Hasdemir, İlim Yayma Foundation General Manager İdris Tankut Küsmezer, Consul of Uzbekistan in Istanbul Abduvali Muminov, Chief Secretary of the Consulate of Uzbekistan in Istanbul Aziz Khalilov, Deputy Consul of Ghana in Istanbul Naomi Aduamoah, diplomatic representatives from Kazakhstan, Syria, and India, as well as faculty deans, academic and administrative staff, and students.
KÜÇÜK: “INTERNATIONALIZATION IS OUR STRATEGIC GOAL”
Following the opening speeches by International Students and Relations Coordinator Nesibe Alaudatallah and Head of the Health, Culture and Sports Department Hülya Şekenci, Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Küçük took the stage and emphasized the importance of student mobility on campuses.
“Internationalization is one of IZU’s strategic values and goals. International students come from their countries with their identities, cultures, and knowledge, and they add value wherever they go,” said Küçük. Having lived abroad for many years himself, he stated that he fully understands the significance of such cultural festivals and thanked everyone who contributed to the organization.
COLORFUL STANDS BROUGHT THE WORLD TO THE IZU CAMPUS
Held under the slogan “One World, IZU,” the festival transformed the IZU Stadium into a vibrant world garden atmosphere. Traditional clothing was displayed at stands representing 30 different countries. The festival also featured local food and beverages, along with entertaining activities introducing participants to different countries and cultures. The event was further enlivened by a flag parade, traditional songs, and folk dance performances. In addition, IZU TÖMER Turkish Preparatory student Bader Beyanouni, Ailem Musiki Grubu, and rap artist Resul Aydemir each gave concerts. Participants also had the opportunity to experience and explore different cultures through the festival’s culinary stands.