ISKENDERUN, ISTE IMYO BECAME A BREATH FOR THE FUTURE
On November 11th, National Afforestation Day, a tree sapling was planted at Iskenderun Technical University (ISTE) Iskenderun Vocational School in memory of those who lost their lives in the February 6th earthquakes.
On National Afforestation Day, November 11th, a tree sapling was planted at İskenderun Technical University (İSTE) İskenderun Vocational School in memory of those who lost their lives in the February 6th earthquakes. The tree planting ceremony, hosted by İSTE Rector Prof. Dr. Tolga Depci, was attended by İskenderun District Governor Muhammet Önder, Arsuz District Governor Hacı Hasan Gökpınar, İskenderun Mayor Mehmet Dönmez, representatives from public and private sectors, non-governmental organizations, and local residents. The program, which saw a strong turnout from people of all ages, began at 10:00 AM with a Moment of Silence and the National Anthem.
In his speech, Hatay Regional Forest Director Assistant Veysel Ayyıldız said, "As is well known, since November 2019, under the auspices of our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, we have been celebrating November 11th as National Afforestation Day every year. This year's event slogan, 'A Breath for Humanity,' was chosen to draw attention to the ongoing humanitarian tragedy caused by Israel’s actions against the Palestinian people."
AKİYAD President Veysel Cıncık stated that they had set out to create a memorial forest for those who lost their lives in the devastating February 6th earthquakes. "To ensure that the planted saplings are not forgotten, we wrote the names of each earthquake victim on metal plates and attached these plates to each sapling," he explained.
İSTE Rector Prof. Dr. Tolga Depci began his remarks by praying for the souls of those who perished in the earthquake and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. He said, "I would like to thank all the institutions and organizations that contributed to this meaningful and valuable event. We are proud to be a part of this effort to 'breathe life into the future,' following the example of our Prophet, who said, 'Even if the Day of Judgment comes, if someone has a sapling in their hand, they should plant it,' and the path of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who built a house elsewhere so that no tree would die in Yalova. I am honoured to be here today, in line with the vision of our President, who declared November 11th as National Afforestation Day in 2019. Today also holds special meaning as we plant saplings in memory of those we lost in the earthquake, placing plaques with their names on them. I will plant my sapling today in memory of my dear friend, Burak Milli, an AA reporter and ISTE alumnus who lost his life in the earthquake, and I will ensure it lives on. I greet you all with respect."
Following the protocol speeches, plaques were placed on the trees, and attendees proceeded to the planting area. The first saplings were planted in a grove named after the late İskenderun District Governor and current Kırşehir Governor, Murat Sefa Demiryürek. İskenderun District Governor Muhammet Önder, Arsuz District Governor Hacı Hasan Gökpınar, İskenderun Mayor Mehmet Dönmez, and İSTE Rector Prof. Dr. Tolga Depci conducted the first tree planting. The saplings were watered with the hope that they would grow into trees that will breathe life into the future.
