The “1st Artificial Intelligence Days” organized by the Mucur Vocational School of Kırşehir Ahi Evran University have begun. The program began on May 4, 2026 with a high attendance at the Mucur Vocational School Conference Hall and will continue until May 6, 2026, with 1,250 participants and 26 workshops. The program was attended by Kırşehir Governor Murat Sefa Demiryürek, Kırşehir MPs Necmettin Erkan and Dr. Metin İlhan, Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil, Deputy Chairman of the Kırşehir Bar Association Attorney Yaşar Ahmet Bahadır, Deputy Governor İsmail Çetinkaya, Mucur District Governor Emre Yeşilbaş, Kırşehir Provincial Police Chief Dr. Mesut Görücü, Mucur Mayor Ali Şahin, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Musa Özata and Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Şimşek, Director of Mucur Vocational School Prof. Dr. Murat Çanlı, provincial and district representatives of political parties, academics, business representatives, deans, directors, academic and administrative staff, and a large number of students attended.

The event began with opening speeches, and the first speaker was Director of Mucur Vocational School Prof. Dr. Murat Çanlı. In his speech, Çanlı emphasized that artificial intelligence has become an integral part not only of technology hubs but also of many fields such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and finance. Stating that Mucur Vocational School does not wish to lag behind this transformation, Prof. Dr. Murat Çanlı expressed that, on the contrary, they aim to be part of the process and, if possible, to lead it. Thanking the academic and administrative units involved in organizing the event, Çanlı noted that the students’ contributions were the most important driving force behind the organization.

Mucur Mayor Ali Şahin gave a speech. In his speech, Şahin emphasized the importance of supporting education and stated that the municipality would continue to contribute to educational activities.

Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil then noted that artificial intelligence has become a strategic force transforming many fields, from education to healthcare, and from manufacturing to governance. Emphasizing that technology must be addressed not only in its technical dimensions but also in its ethical and human-centered aspects, Rector Karahocagil said that the university’s academic capacity in this field would be strengthened through new departments and programs.

Kırşehir Deputy Dr. Metin İlhan then took the floor and stated that artificial intelligence has brought about transformation in many fields, but that no technology can replace the human factor. Deputy İlhan emphasized that technology must be evaluated in conjunction with conscience, justice, and human dignity.

He was followed by Necmettin Erkan, Member of Parliament for Kırşehir, who highlighted that artificial intelligence is a strategic area of transformation and emphasized the importance of collaboration between universities, the public sector, and the private sector. MP Erkan stated that young people are the most important actors in this process.

Finally, Kırşehir Governor Murat Sefa Demiryürek delivered a speech. In his speech, Governor Demiryürek stated that artificial intelligence is not merely a technological innovation, but a strategic field that directly impacts countries’ development goals. Noting that Turkey has taken significant steps in this area, Kırşehir Governor Murat Sefa Demiryürek emphasized that human dignity, ethical values, and the rule of law must be at the center of all efforts. Addressing the youth at the conclusion of his speech, Governor Demiryürek stressed the importance of fully capitalizing on the opportunities in this field.

Following the opening speeches, the event proceeded to the opening panel. Moderated by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Şimşek, the panel featured Head of the Department of Medical Informatics and Associate Dean at Karabük University’s Faculty of Medicine Prof. Dr. Ufuk Karadavut with his presentation “Where Do We Stand in the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare?”; Head of the New Media Department at Ankara University’s Faculty of Communication Prof. Dr. Onur Dursun, Head of the New Media Department at the Faculty of Communication, Ankara University, presented on “The Anxiety of Truth Brought by Artificial Intelligence: Is This Real?” and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Özdemir, Coordinator of Corporate Communication and Director of the School of Information Technologies at Ankara University, delivered a presentation on “Code and Conflict: The Information War Against Iran Using Artificial Intelligence.”

Organized for the first time by Mucur Vocational School and supported by the Mucur District Governor’s Office, Mucur Municipality, Çağlayanlar Group, American Life Kırşehir, Anadolu Finance Center, and Badempınarı, the Artificial Intelligence Days will feature 15 workshops, 24 expert speakers, and 12 paper presentations over the course of three days.