ISTE IMYO REOPENED WITH A MAGNIFICENT OPENING CEREMONY"
After being heavily damaged in the February 6 earthquakes and subsequently demolished, Iskenderun Technical University (ISTE) Iskenderun Vocational School (IMYO) was reopened with a magnificent opening ceremony following its reconstruction.
After being heavily damaged in the February 6 earthquakes and subsequently demolished, Iskenderun Technical University (ISTE) Iskenderun Vocational School (IMYO) was reopened with a magnificent opening ceremony following its reconstruction. A cooperation protocol was signed between ISTE and Eymir Culture Foundation in June of the previous year, and the land for the construction was handed over to the foundation in November. IMYO was reopened on October 14, on the first day of the 2024-2025 academic year. The opening ceremony was hosted by ISTE Rector Prof. Dr. Tolga Depci and attended by the former Deputy Minister of Industry and Technology and METU Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yozgatlıgil, Belen District Governor Mahmut Sami Yılmaz, İskenderun Deputy Mayor Alper Ermisket, District Gendarmerie Commander Major Mustafa Açık, Eymir Culture Foundation Chairman Ömer Kaymakçalan and the foundation's board members, benefactors, İSTE's academic and administrative staff, students, and local residents.
Under the protocol signed between ISTE and the Eymir Culture Foundation, the construction of four classrooms, six laboratories, and five workshops, as well as a central area and a cafeteria, was completed using a steel structure, making it one of the first examples in the earthquake zone. Eymir Culture Foundation Permanent Structures Chairman İsmail Işık, who shared the story of the reconstruction process with the guests, stated that "the buildings were completed in a short period of 10 months to be ready for the new term" and expressed his gratitude to "everyone who contributed to the reconstruction, especially Rector Prof. Dr. Tolga Depci, who supported them in every way, and to all those who made in-kind and monetary donations."
During the opening ceremony, Eymir Culture Foundation Chairman Ömer Kaymakçalan emphasized that "METU alumni, administrators, and students joined hands to support the school's construction," and stated, "Our foundation has previously contributed to educational initiatives following the earthquakes in Kocaeli and Van. We hope that there will be no such great earthquake disasters in the future. Here, as METU alumni, students, and administrators, starting with our rector, we stand united in service to Turkey. The work we have done here is a small contribution to this cause. I wish the students who will study here health, happiness, and success."
Belen District Governor Mahmut Sami Yılmaz, in his speech during the opening ceremony, commemorated all the citizens who lost their lives in the earthquake with respect and said: "We were here during the earthquake. We served together day and night with our Rector without leaving each other. This great disaster showed that the loyalty of the Turkish nation is greater than anything else. Everything we needed was sent from all over Turkey in the initial moments. Hatay was the province that suffered the most losses due to the earthquake. Now, we see that all of Turkey stands with us in helping Hatay rise again. I extend my gratitude to the officials of Eymir Culture Foundation for contributing to education and to our Rector, Prof. Dr. Tolga Depci, who is devoted to education. I also thank everyone who contributed to the reconstruction process with their donations."
Iskenderun Technical University (ISTE) Rector Prof. Dr. Tolga Depci began his opening speech by saying, "I am delighted to see our Vocational School completed in such a short time and to reunite with our students," and emphasized "the important role that vocational schools play in the country's development." Rector Depci shared how the reconstruction efforts began and progressed and continued with a personal anecdote: "In 2009, when I first held my daughter in my arms, I was overwhelmed with happiness. I immediately handed her to my wife to breastfeed her when she cried. A few days ago, I read a news report that reminded me of those days and brought tears to my eyes. The news stated that in Gaza, under oppression, mothers were not even allowed to breastfeed their babies and were left to die. Therefore, a strong university, a strong industry, and a strong country go hand in hand. If our education is strong, our industry becomes strong, and thus our country becomes strong. This shows that we are on the right path. That's why, as President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan says, we are doing our best to train not just middle-level personnel but 'sought-after professionals.' If we are strong, we can continue to be the voice of all the oppressed and support them. I offer my deepest gratitude to all our donors who have supported us in this endeavor and helped our school rise."
Former Deputy Minister of Industry and Technology and Middle East Technical University (METU) Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yozgatlıgil said in his speech that "with the opening of the campus, İskenderun Vocational School has come back to life," and continued: "With the sought-after professionals to be trained here, we will contribute to the development of local and national technology. Today, we are not just inaugurating these buildings; we are reigniting the torch of education together. These investments in our future will not only illuminate this region but also our entire country. Our collaborations with İskenderun Technical University will pave the way for both research and technological development to take root in this land. As Middle East Technical University, we are ready to do whatever is necessary for the future of the students here and to stand by the great effort and dedication shown here."
Following the opening speeches, the ceremony continued with the presentation of plaques and gifts, and then the ribbon-cutting for the completed buildings took place. Rector Depci and the officials from the Eymir Culture Foundation showed their guests around the classrooms, laboratories, workshops, and social areas, explaining the construction process and the plans for the future. Guests also visited the "Earthquake Memorial Exhibition" dedicated to those who lost their lives in the earthquake and the "Palestine Exhibition" in honor of Gaza Islamic University Rector Prof. Dr. Sufyan Tayeh and all Palestinian martyrs.
The opening ceremony concluded with stage performances by artists Asım Kuzuluk, Ege, Hamdi Alkan, Hüsamettin Subaşı, İzzet Altınmeşe, Keremcem, Neşe Dilekçioğlu, Rabia Yetkin Karabulut, Recep Kaymak, and Sümer Ezgü, which added a festive touch to the event. The performances made the IMYO Opening Ceremony a memorable experience for all the guests."
