Kırşehir Ahi Evran University, the University of Firsts, bid farewell to its 2025–2026 academic year graduates with an enthusiastic ceremony. The graduation ceremony was held on June 19, 2026, at the 15 July National Will Hall of Ahi Evran Congress and Culture Center. The ceremony was attended by Kırşehir Governor Murat Sefa Demiryürek; our Rector, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil; Deputy Provincial Gendarmerie Commander Colonel Mahmut Erin; Provincial Police Chief Dr. Mesut Görücü; Director of Kırşehir Police Vocational School Erdem Eylenen; Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Musa Özata, Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Şimşek and Prof. Dr. Ali Güneş; Secretary General Assist. Prof. Dr. Hüseyin İlter; Kırşehir AK Party Provincial Chair Seher Ünsal; members of the provincial protocol; representatives of political parties; deans; directors; academic and administrative staff; students and their families.
The graduation ceremony first began with a musical performance presented by the Department of Music of our university’s Neşet Ertaş Faculty of Fine Arts, and then continued with protocol speeches. At the ceremony, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil, first took the floor and spoke about the development, projects and academic achievements of Kırşehir Ahi Evran University. Referring to the foundation history of our university in his speech, Rector Karahocagil emphasized that our university, whose historical roots date back to the Cacabey Astronomy Madrasa, is currently a young university at the age of 20. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil stated that in Kırşehir, the capital of Ahilik, and with the spiritual legacy of Ahi Evran-ı Veli as its foundation, they are proud to have built a strong institutional identity in the past twenty years despite being a young university. He continued his speech as follows: “Today, we have achieved significant success in many areas, from education and training to research and development, from social contribution to internationalization. At the heart of these achievements lies the inspiration we draw in every field from the Ahilik organization established by Ahi Evran-ı Veli, whose name we are honored to bear.” Referring to all the studies and projects carried out by Kırşehir Ahi Evran University, from quality initiatives to its achievements in world rankings, our Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil stated that teaching and academic work are an art of raising people, and that Kırşehir Ahi Evran University has successfully fulfilled this mission. Addressing the graduating students in his speech, Rector Karahocagil continued: “Today, you have successfully completed an important stage of your long educational journey. At times, you felt tired; at times, you stumbled. Exams, assignments, projects, economic difficulties, changing life conditions, uncertainties... But you did not give up, and you succeeded. You now experience the rightful pride of this achievement. This success is the result of your effort, dedication, hard work and, of course, patience. Your graduation is not a final goal; rather, it is a stage where one chapter of your life comes to an end and another begins with new dreams, hopes and excitement. Wherever you are and whatever work you do, as the Ahis of this age, you will be a light wherever you go with the high virtues you have gained on the path of Ahilik. You will contribute to humanity, build the future of our country, and make everything you touch more beautiful in the spirit of Ahilik.” Congratulating the graduating students and wishing them success in their new lives, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil thanked everyone who contributed to the organization of the ceremony.
Afterwards, Kırşehir Governor Murat Sefa Demiryürek delivered a speech, stating that graduations are not an end but the beginning of a new chapter. Governor Demiryürek emphasized that the students carry a legacy through the education and training they received at Kırşehir Ahi Evran University, and noted that they would become representatives of Kırşehir’s civilizational heritage. Stating that in the next stage of their lives, students should strive to be good individuals and carry out beneficial work for their country and nation, Kırşehir Governor Murat Sefa Demiryürek congratulated the young graduates and wished them success in their new lives.
Following the ceremonial speeches, a flag and banner handover ceremony was held. During the ceremony, a graduate of the Faculty of Education Süleyman Atalay handed over our Glorious Flag to Ali Mert Menevşe, a student at the Faculty of Science and Letters. Melisa Ateş, a graduate of the Faculty of Education, handed over our university’s banner to Hanife Öztokatlı, a student at the Faculty of Science and Letters.
The ceremony then continued with the commencement speech by Bünyamin Mert, a student in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture who graduated as the university valedictorian with a 3.93 GPA, followed by his nailing of a plaque to the graduation tree. Mert, the university valedictorian, said that with this ceremony, they were not merely receiving diplomas, but were graduating from these ancient lands where the Ahi tradition was born—from this seat of learning bearing the name of Ahi Evran—with a tremendous legacy and a historic responsibility resting on their shoulders. “We, as young graduates, have a very clear mission before us today,” said Bünyamin Mert, noting that wherever they may work—whether in the defense industry, the healthcare sector, or public service—they must perform their duties flawlessly. At the conclusion of his speech, Mert thanked our University’s Rector, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil, as well as his professors and family, for their support throughout his academic career.
After the plaque was affixed to the log, Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil presented the Şed to Bünyamin Mert, the top student at our university.
Afterwards, certificates and gifts were presented to students who graduated with honors from the academic units. This year, for the first time, certificates were also awarded to our undergraduate and associate degree students who achieved the highest scores on the Social Transcript Diploma. In another first for our university this year, the top honor went to Bünyamin Mert, a student in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, while second place was awarded to his brother, Hacı Cevad Mert, a student at the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation. Following the presentation of gifts, the graduating students took the Ahilik Oath, led by Prof. Dr. Nadir İlhan, a faculty member of the Faculty of Science and Letters. Afterward, the students celebrated their graduation by tossing their caps into the air together.
