Presidents Gül, Gauck Attend Opening Ceremony of Turkish-German University
29.04.2014
Participating in the opening ceremony of the Turkish-German University with President Gauck of Germany, President Gül delivered a speech at the ceremony as well during which he highlighted the potential contributions of the university to Turkey in terms of technology and predicted that the Turkish-German University will soon serve as a good example through its success for not only Turkey but also the whole of Europe.
President Abdullah Gül and First Lady Hayrünnisa Gül as well as President Joachim Gauck and Mrs. Schadt attended the opening ceremony of the Turkish-German University in Istanbul.
IMPORTANCE OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF TURKISH-GERMAN UNIVERSITY
President Gül, pointing out that he has always felt the necessity for the establishment of the Turkish-German University in Turkey, noted that the high schools in the country whose medium of language is German date back many years, referring to Istanbul German High School and Istanbul High School for Boys which were established in 1868 and 1917 respectively. “There are also the Austrian High School and many Anatolian High Schools where classes are taught in German.”
Recalling that he as the then Foreign Minister of Turkey and his German counterpart at the time, Foreign Minister Steinmeir, initiated the establishment process of this university within the framework of the Ernst-Reuter Initiative in 2006, President Gül said that during the then German President Wulf’s state visit to Turkey in 2010, they laid the foundations of the Turkish-German University, adding: “Some respected German scientists and men of culture took refuge in Turkey during the 2nd World War and they taught at Turkish universities for years. We allotted one of the best places in Istanbul to this university. I hope that distinguinshed Turkish and German academicians will start teaching here soon. This university will offer intensive courses in technological fields as well as social sciences including archaeology. It will make great contributions to Turkey.”
EXPECTED CONTRIBUTIONS OF UNIVERSITY
President Gül further expressed his wish Turkey take advantage of the discipline of Germany’s technology. This is why he said they had appointed Prof. Dr. Ziya Şanal as rector at the beginning who taught at German universities. And now, he added, the university will further grow under the leadership of the new rector, Prof. Dr. Halil Akkanat. I believe that both German citizens of Turkish and German origins will add to the already good relations between the two countries. Moreover, the German companies in Turkey will also employ, in the engineering field, especially those who have received education from Turkish-German school.”
The President also reiterated that a foundation for supporting the Turkish-German University has been established and maintained that both Turkey and Germany sincerely protect this project and cherish the value of this university indeed. “I believe that the Turkish-German University will soon serve as a good example through its success for not only Turkey but also the whole of Europe.”
President Gül further shared his wish that the Turkish-German University be an institution which will be among the best universities in Turkey for which the best students will compete. He then wished the university, the academia and students every success.
Afterwards, President Gül and President Gauck unveiled the plaque which bears the name of the two presidents on it, thus making the official opening of the Turkish-German University.
LUNCHEON AT TARABYA PRESIDENTIAL RESIDENCE
After the opening ceremony, President Gül and the First Lady hosted a luncheon in honor of President Gauck and Mrs. Schadt at the Tarabya Presidential Residence.
