The graduation ceremony for the 2025-2026 academic year of the Safranbolu Başak Cengiz Faculty of Architecture at Karabük University (KBÜ) was held on June 16, 2026, in the Prof. Dr. Sadettin Ökten Conference Hall. Following a moment of silence and the singing of the Turkish National Anthem, the ceremony began with students celebrating their graduation, accompanied by their families and academics.
Speaking at the ceremony, KBÜ Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Solmaz stated his belief that the graduates of the Faculty of Architecture will assume significant responsibilities in Türkiye's urbanization, infrastructure, and superstructure projects in the future. Expressing his confidence that the graduates will contribute to the country's construction and urbanization processes, Solmaz stated his belief that the architects trained by Karabük University will participate in important projects in the future.
Deputy Dean Dr. Öğr. Faculty member Ayşe Merve Saraçoğlu Gezer stated that graduation ceremonies are special days filled with pride rather than sadness for academics, adding that graduates are no longer just students, but colleagues with whom they will build the future together. Emphasizing that the students successfully completed their challenging four-year education, Saraçoğlu also thanked the families for their sacrifices, saying, “We are honored to return your children, whom you entrusted to us, as well-equipped and strong architects.” Addressing the graduates, Saraçoğlu advised them to prioritize humanity, nature, and cultural heritage in their profession, and to never compromise on ethical values.
The Head of the Department of Architecture, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Merve Tuna Kayılı, said that the graduates not only received a diploma, but also the reward for their patience, knowledge, and goals to make the world a more livable place. Noting that the students received their education in Safranbolu, one of the important centers of architecture and conservation culture, Kayılı said, “You designed the lines of the future by breathing in the legacy of the past. Now you will leave here and spread to all corners of Türkiye and even the world.” Kayılı stated that the department was graduating its 19th class, emphasizing that the graduates would represent the vision of Karabük University wherever they went. He added, “Our department, with its 19th graduating class today, has once again proven its maturity, strength, and quality.”
At the ceremony, the top student, Malak Abduljalıl Mohsen Nagy Al-Sufyanı, received her certificate of achievement from Safranbolu Mayor Architect Elif Köse. Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Malak Abduljalıl Mohsen Nagy Al-Sufyanı thanked her family and academics, stating that architectural education is a process requiring patience, hard work, and determination. She noted that she faced various difficulties throughout her education but never gave up, and that her achievement today was a great source of pride. Malak Abduljalıl Mohsen Nagy Al-Sufyani, who stated that she came to Türkiye as an international student, said, “We came to Türkiye as foreigners, but today we are not just leaving with a diploma. We are leaving with beautiful friendships, unforgettable memories, and a family.”
The program continued with a musical performance prepared by the Vice Dean, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Mutlu, which was highly appreciated by the participants. After the diplomas were presented to the graduating students, the graduates took an oath to uphold ethical values in their professional lives and to fulfill their responsibilities to society.
The ceremony concluded with the students throwing their caps into the air, sharing their graduation joy with their families, academics, and friends.