Yıldız Technical University, in collaboration with YTÜ Yıldız Technopark, kicked off the “Culture and Arts Under the Stars” season with the “Welcome to Youth” concert and discussion, aimed at preparatory and first-year students. During the program, YTÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Eyüp Debik shared his experiences and insights with the students, covering topics ranging from his student years to his academic career, the university’s goals, time management, and the role of art in personal development.

Preparatory and first-year students gathered at the Davutpaşa Congress and Culture Center for the “Welcome to Youth” concert and discussion. The event, which marked the opening of the “Culture and Arts Under the Stars” season, provided students with an opportunity to enjoy entertaining moments while listening to the experiences and advice of our Rector, Prof. Dr. Eyüp Debik.

At the event, where our Rector, Prof. Dr. Eyüp Debik, was the special guest speaker, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Levent Kaya, Dr. Emrah Uçar, and Lecturer Dr. Erdal Şahin from the Faculty of Art and Design took the stage.

Experiences Spanning from Student Life to an Academic Career

Sharing his experiences from his student years to his academic career, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Eyüp Debik, explained that he maintained an intense work pace throughout his educational life. Noting that he also worked at his family’s store during his undergraduate studies, Prof. Dr. Debik stated that the period during which he balanced his education and work provided him with valuable experience.

Explaining that he scored 49 on the exam he took to pursue a master’s and doctoral degree abroad, Prof. Dr. Debik said he missed this opportunity because he did not reach the required passing score of 50. Expressing his wish that he had answered just a few more questions correctly to pass the exam, he shared this experience as a retrospective “if only.”

Prof. Dr. Debik went on to explain that he later conducted postdoctoral research for two years at Iowa State University in the U.S., noting that exposure to a different academic culture contributed to his research skills. He advised students to take advantage of the opportunities that come their way and to use their time efficiently.

Noting that time should be set aside for social life alongside classes during university, Prof. Dr. Debik emphasized the importance of upholding moral values and social responsibilities in both education and professional life.

“Our goal is to rise to first place among state universities”

Referring to YTÜ’s academic standing and future goals, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Eyüp Debik, noted that the university ranks fifth overall and third among state universities in the research university rankings. Expressing their aim to build on current successes, Prof. Dr. Debik said, “Our goal is to rank first among state universities next year. We have made the necessary preparations and plans to achieve this.”

Highlighting the importance of the efforts of students and faculty in achieving this goal, Prof. Dr. Debik emphasized that work must continue with determination to sustain and build upon the successes achieved.

A Call to Take Advantage of the University’s Resources

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Eyüp Debik, also provided information about YTÜ’s academic expertise, its technology development ecosystem, student clubs, TEKNOFEST teams, and the partnerships it has established with the industry, highlighted the role of YTÜ Yıldız Technopark in university-industry collaboration.

Noting that YTÜ graduates hold positions in key institutions and at senior levels, Prof. Dr. Debik stated that approximately 10 percent of those working in the defense industry are YTÜ graduates. Highlighting the opportunities offered by the university’s academic and technological infrastructure, he encouraged students to take advantage of these resources, join student clubs, and develop themselves in various fields.

 “Art and sports instill discipline”

During the interview, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Eyüp Debik, also touched upon the role of art in personal development, noting that cultural heritage holds value even for those working in the fields of engineering and science. Sharing examples from his own interest in music, Prof. Dr. Debik explained that in his youth he listened to Orhan Gencebay, Ferdi Tayfur, and Zeki Müren, and that in later years he developed an interest in Turkish classical music. He added that today he is interested in folk music and is trying to learn to play the bağlama.

Noting that art, sports, and social activities support personal development and help instill discipline, Prof. Dr. Debik advised students to set aside time for their areas of interest alongside their academic work. He urged them to view their university years as a period during which they can gain diverse experiences.

Songs and Folk Tunes Brought Students Together

During the program, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Levent Kaya, Dr. Emrah Uçar, and Lecturer Dr. Erdal Şahin performed pieces from Turkish classical music and Turkish folk music. At the event, which combined a concert and a discussion, preparatory and first-year students were introduced to the university’s cultural and artistic life.