Kırşehir Ahi Evran University started the 2025–2026 academic year with a meaningful event. The Rectorate organized an event titled “My First Lesson: Palestine.” The event took place on September 25, 2025, at the 15 July National Will Hall in the Ahi Evran Congress and Culture Center. Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Musa Özata, Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Şimşek, and Prof. Dr. Ali Güneş, as well as academic and administrative staff and students attended the event.

During the “My First Lesson: Palestine” event, Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil delivered a welcome speech, drawing attention to the ongoing genocide and humanitarian crisis in Palestine and Gaza. He stated that with this event, they aim to raise awareness about the oppression the people of Palestine have faced over the past two years. Prof. Dr. Karahocagil emphasized that Israel is carrying out genocide against Palestinians in full view of the world and continues this oppression with the support of major world powers. He noted that they wear blue ribbons to support the Sumud Flotilla, a global activist initiative against the genocide. “By wearing blue ribbons, we demonstrate our solidarity with Palestine,” he said. He added that today’s “My First Lesson: Palestine” event is meant to create even greater awareness. Rector Karahocagil stated that Israel’s sole objective has always been to establish a Greater Israel and warned that after Gaza, Syria and eventually Turkey—and the entire Islamic world—would be at risk. He pointed out that this goal is no longer merely suggested but is now openly declared by the leaders and supporters of the Zionist Israeli state. “Therefore, I believe it is essential for us to be aware of this reality,” he concluded.

Rector Karahocagil also commemorated first-year Electrical and Electronics Engineering student Majd Ali who was martyred in Gaza. He stated that Majd Ali could not escape the blockade in Gaza and was killed by Israeli forces while searching for food for his family and neighbors. “We have a student who became a martyr. We need to start this academic year with this awareness,” said Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil. He called on everyone to keep this awareness high and to support the boycott more than ever.

After Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil’s speech, a video sent by the sister of our martyred student Majd Ali was shown. Then, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammed Maruf from the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences gave a presentation; “My First Lesson: Palestine.” In his presentation, Maruf emphasized that Zionist Israel has carried out an unprecedented massacre in human history and spoke about Israel’s purpose in committing these acts. He stated that Israel’s greatest goal is to establish a Greater Jewish Empire and dominate the world. Maruf noted that Israel continues its massacres to achieve this aim. He also talked about what should be done in response: "We will acknowledge that the issue of Jerusalem and Palestine concerns all of humanity. We will learn about Zionism and raise our awareness. We will continue to do our best in whatever we do. Boycott is important, and we will not become slaves. We will act in unity and solidarity. Israel is absolute evil. We will encourage and urge our governments, through legitimate and legal means, to take concrete steps against this evil."

At the end of the event, Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil presented a certificate of appreciation to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammed Maruf for his presentation “My First Lesson: Palestine.”