The academic year 2025-2026 commenced with a celebratory ceremony held on September 8 at the Darüşşafaka Ayhan Şahenk Sports Complex.
Bringing together all members of the Darüşşafaka community, the ceremony commenced with a moment of silence in honor of Mustafa Kemal ATATÜRK, the esteemed Headteacher and Founder of the Republic of Türkiye, as well as his fellow comrades, the founders of our Society, and our late benefactors, followed by the recital of the Turkish National Anthem.
During the inaugural address of our ceremony, moderated by Nehir Selvi E. and Canpolat K., 12th grade students, Ebru Arpacı, General Manager of Darüşşafaka Educational Institutions, addressed the incoming students for this academic year:
“Darüşşafaka is not merely a school; it embodies a large family and serves as a supportive environment that will guide you throughout your life. Today, you embarked on a new journey as you entered these premises. The education you will receive here is designed not only to facilitate your academic success but also to prepare you for life as resilient and responsible individuals, equipped with self-confidence. I extend a warm ‘welcome’ to each of you. Please remember that every step you take in this journey will significantly influence your future”.
Ebru Arpacı: “Membership in Darüşşafaka embodies an unwavering passion for education and the nation, reflecting the spirit of dreaming, hoping, and persevering just as Mustafa Kemal did”.
In her address, Arpacı articulated the enduring commitment of Darüşşafaka to the principle of “Equal Opportunity in Education”, a commitment that has been upheld for 162 years. She also emphasized that to work at Darüşşafaka is to work and produce in Türkiye and that Darüşşafaka embodies the values of science, respect for humanity, while also extending its influence globally. She also likened membership in Darüşşafaka to the embodiment of a visionary, spirit reminiscent of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who exemplified an unwavering dedication to education and the nation. She concluded her remarks by addressing the students:
“Dear Students, I urge you to remain steadfast in the principles established by Atatürk as you envision a contemporary Türkiye. Engage with the world around you—read, research, and inquire—while consistently embodying the values espoused by Darüşşafaka. It is essential to hold in your mind and your heart the commitment to serve the institution of Darüşşafaka. This year, I encourage you to reflect on the question: “Who do I aspire to become?” Every lesson, every friendship, and every experience will guide you closer to the answer. Your journey may present challenges and obstacles; however, it is important to remember that you are never alone at Darüşşafaka. I want to share a piece of wisdom from Atatürk directed towards the youth: “There are no hopeless situations, only hopeless individuals. I have never lost hope.” Additionally, keep in mind that “Our true mentor in life is science.”
Oğuz Güleç: “Harness your strength through knowledge, let your conscience guide you like a compass, and chart your course inspired by the principles of Atatürk.”
Following the address by Arpacı, Oğuz Güleç, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, addressed the new students of Darüşşafaka: “Dear members of the 160th Term, today marks not merely your entrance into a new educational institution but also signifies the commencement of a new chapter in your lives and a new trajectory for your futures. You are the youngest members of this extensive family, yet you hold the utmost significance within it. You represent the bright stars of our future. This year, we are pleased to welcome not only students into our community, but also esteemed educators who share this momentous excitement. I extend a warm ‘welcome’ to them, accompanied by my sincerest wishes for a year filled with learning and discovery alongside our students”.
In the course of his address, Güleç emphasized to students that they represent the promising future of our nation and reminded them of their potential to shape the future of the country, and directed his remarks specifically to the twelfth and ninth graders:
“Dear 12th graders, you are at a critical juncture in your lives. The upcoming examination is not merely an academic assessment; it will also evaluate your perseverance, determination, and confidence. Keep in mind that upon the conclusion of this process, you will emerge as resilient individuals, carrying the legacy of Darüşşafaka into the future. Dear ninth graders, you stand at the outset of a new chapter. You will assume greater responsibilities during this new journey, engage in self-exploration, and embark on significant steps that will redefine your life trajectory. We anticipate that you will exhibit discipline, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. The high school years provide a significant opportunity for not only academic achievement but also the development of your personality. I extend my best wishes for your continued success in the second term at Darüşşafaka”.
Following the address delivered by Oğuz Güleç, the awards for the academic year 2024-2025, including the esteemed Yusuf Ziya Paşa awards, were presented to their recipients.
Following the address delivered by Oğuz Güleç, the awards for the academic year 2024-2025, including the esteemed Ziya Paşa awards, were presented. Graduates of Darüşşafaka High School, Damla A., Muhammet Fatih Ö., Muhsin Ali T., Ecem Kayra G., Emine Özge O., Emine Nefise M., Ali B., Demirhan Boran Y., Beyza D., Muhammet Ali Y., Sema Nur V., Eyşan A., Ceren G., Ömer D., Elif B., Ozan Ö., Damla Aysima E., Ada Han Y., Ayşe E., Hakan C., Haticetül Kübra Y., Şevval Ç., Ahmet Melik D., Rahime Nur C., Beytullah Salih İ., and Hatice G. received their accolades in recognition of their exceptional accomplishments in the Higher Education Institutions Examination, for which they qualified for the Yusuf Ziya Paşa awards.
Our 5th grader, Görkem S.Ü: “When I was in the hazelnut garden in Sakarya, Darüşşafaka called my mother to inform her that I had passed the exam.”
Following the presentation of awards, our fifth-grade student, Görkem S., ascended the stage, brimming with enthusiasm upon completing the orientation phase. He articulated his sentiments as follows: “I first heard about Darüşşafaka from my mother’s teacher friend, Mrs. Baise. I received information about the school through the form that Darüşşafaka sent to our house. I also saw advertisements that showcased how wonderful the school is. When I came to take the exam, I found it challenging at first, but I solved the mathematics problems with so much enthusiasm that I realized in that moment that I would pass the exam. While I was in the hazelnut garden in Sakarya, Darüşşafaka called my mother to inform her that I had passed the exam. I was so happy! When I arrived here, what I liked the most was the basketball court. I had dreamed that there would be bunk beds in the dormitory and that I would sleep on the upper bunk, but it turns out our beds are single. My favorite subject is mathematics, and I aspire to be an astronaut or a space engineer when I grow up. I promise that I will work very hard to achieve this goal, but I also want to let you know that I won’t shy away from playing games”.
During the ceremony, a group of fifth-grade students presented letters they had composed for their primary school teachers, and the fifth-grade choir performed songs they had learned throughout the orientation period. The event culminated in a collective rendition of the Darüşşafaka Anthem, sung in harmony by all participants.
Awards for the Conclusion of the Academic Year 2024-2025
The Cihat Örge-Halit Ziya Yılman Secondary School Community Services Award: was presented to our students, Toprak B., Uğur Güneş T., Berre Esmanur Ö., Aras B., Sedanur H., İclal A., Ali Erdem S., Nisanur D., Nilüfer Duru A., Fatma Betül İ., and their mentor teachers, Gamze Kumaş, Sibel Sunay, and Aslı Eder, in recognition of their participation in a voluntary project. This initiative involved conducting English and ICT lessons for students receiving online support in the earthquake-affected region, who were unable to attend classes at Darüşşafaka, under the project called “Varolduk Var Edeceğiz” (We Existed, and We Will Create).
The Fettah Aytaç Secondary School Technology Award: were presented to our students Nisanur Y., Lamra B., Cemre Mina D., İrem Nur P., Mehmet K., Salih Eren G., Umut Ö., Ener M., Emrah S., Muhammed Miraç Y., Eda Sahra Ö., Damla K., Eda Ö., and their mentor teachers Büşra Hamdemirci and Görkem Girgin on behalf of the Darüşşafaka Secondary School Robotics Team, Panic at Daçka, achieving the title of Istanbul Champion after competing against 44 other teams at the Istanbul 2nd Secondary School Tournament, which was organized by the Science Heroes Association and held at Gebze Technical University.
The Fettah Aytaç Secondary School Literature Award: was presented to our student Aylin Sema A. along with her mentor, Canan Yüksel, in recognition of achieving first place in the “18th Ahmet Rasim Yaşıyor! Column Writing Contest”.
The Fettah Aytaç Secondary School Mathematics Award: has been bestowed upon our students Simay Yıldız A., Fatma Naz T., İclal A., and their mentor teacher Nurdan Ayar for achieving first place in Türkiye with their projects called “Pyramid of Explorations: Numbers and Patterns”, which they developed in the mathematics field at the Final Exhibition of the 19th Secondary School Students Research Projects Competition organized by TÜBİTAK, and to our student Ege Çınar Ç., along with his mentor teacher Ezgi Senger Altıntaş, for securing first place in Türkiye at the Boğaziçi University Mathematics Competition.
The Fettah Aytaç Secondary School Science Award: has been conferred uponİrem Nur P., Cansu G., Lamra B., Nisanur Y., along with their mentor, Barkın Güdü, for achieving second place in the Marmara European Region with their project titled “An Examination of the Effects of Alteration of Food Presentation and the Conversion of Food Wastes into Compost on the Volume of Waste Generated in Mess Halls”, developed in the field of Science/Biology at the Marmara European Regional Exhibition of the 19th Secondary School Research Projects Competition organized by TÜBİTAK.
The Fettah Aytaç Secondary School Sports Award: was presented to Beyza Vera T., Zeynep Safiye Y., Almila Çiğdem P., Yağmur E., Elifnur D., Damlanur M., Marianna B., Güler Gökçen K., Fatma Su Ş., Elif Sena A., Mervenur U., Beren Ü., Fatma Ceren A., Yüsra Duru A., Elif Beren Ç., and the members of the Girls’ Football Team, along with their mentor teachers Tarık Yılmaz and Erdem Yağız, for their outstanding achievement of securing first place in Istanbul, competing against 74 other teams, during the Girls’ Football Competition organized by the School Sports Department of the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports.
The Nazıma Antel Secondary School English Award: has been conferred upon Nehir G., Ece Şevval S., Kaan C., Gülmine C., Efe Aras A., Cihan A., Doğa E., members of the “Innov8 Daçka” team, along with their mentor teachers, Öncü Açıkgöz and Necibe İlayda Çelikkol, in acknowledgement of their achievement in securing first place in Türkiye in the improvisation category at the Destination Imagination Türkiye Finals held in Antalya, thereby earning the opportunity to represent our country on international stages, and to our student Handan Ç., and her mentor teacher Senem Boz Yıldız, for attaining first place globally in the Owlpia competition, which involved participation from 32 countries and was conducted in English as second language.
The Cihat Örge-Halit Ziya Yılmayan High School Community Service Award: has been conferred upon our students Ela N., İrem Dilek A., Tuana İ., İremsu A., Suden Ecrin G., Güneş Ecrin A., Aslı İrem K., Salice P., Ceren B., Yazgülü Zeynep U., Müzeyyen I., Özgür Deniz Ü., Enda M., along with their mentor teacher, Füsun Öke, acknowledging their initiative to foster a more compassionate and understanding approach towards individuals with special needs, through the organization of a simulation parkour, aiming to enhance societal awareness regarding the daily challenges faced by individuals with special needs, in commemoration of December 3, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The Fettah Aytaç High School Science Award: was conferred to Demet Deniz T., Rüya S., along with their mentor, Cem Oğuz Büke, for achieving a commendable 10th place among 180,000 projects at the 2024 Antalya finals of TEKNOFEST with their innovative project titled “GeoCArd 1.0: An Application That Combines Augmented Reality with Gamification in Geography Education
The Fettah Aytaç High School Technology Award: has been conferred upon Adnan K., Adahan Y., Taha K., Yusuf Emir K., and Hakan C. for their exemplary achievement as the Türkiye Champions of TEKNOFEST with their innovative project titled “Smart Image Processing Based Fixed-Wing UAV for Search and Rescue Operations on the High Seas”.
The Fettah Aytaç High School Literature Award: has been presented to our student Zeynep Ö., and her mentor teacher, Yusuf Can Par, in recognition of their outstanding accomplishment in securing second place among forty entries in the Fakir Baykurt Story Writing Contest, organized by the Municipality of Sarıyer.
The Fettah Aytaç High School Mathematics Award: has been awarded to our students, Kadriye Ö. and Rukiye Ö., along with their mentor teacher, Burcu Özge Eser, in acknowledgement of their qualification to participate in the Regional Exhibition of the 56th TÜBİTAK High School Students’ Research Projects Competition, as well as receiving an Honorable Mention prize at the I-MAT Mathematics Projects Contest.
The Fettah Aytaç High School Science Award: was presented to our students, Derin Ş., Yaren R., Ecrinsu Ç., along with their mentor teacher, Aylin Kayagür, in recognition of their achievement in securing third place in the 56th High School Students Research Project Competition organized by TÜBİTAK, with their project titled “An Innovative Approach for Drug Release: Alginate-Based Thin Films on the Tongue with Spirulina Additive.”
The Fettah Aytaç High School Sports Award: was conferred upon our students, Kadriye Ö., Rukiye Ö., Merva Güneş A., Feyzanur A., Irmak K., along with their mentor teacher, Duygu Saatçioğlu, for their commendable achievement in securing second place at the School Sports Istanbul Provincial Championship Badminton Tournament, which took place in Istanbul from December 16 to 18, 2024, and representing our school in the Türkiye Group matches.
The Fettah Aytaç Art Award: was presented to our students Ahmet Miraç E., Alp Ç., Nuray O., Zeynep Elif Ö., Emre Berk K., Muhsin Erdem G., Barış B., Eylül Seher A., Elif Ecrin Ç., Muhammed Furkan K., Berke H., Umut Y., Petek Melek A., Berrak C., Zeynep Hazan K., Selim İbrahim A., Azime S., Nehir Selvi E., İklima A., Meryem T., Şevval G., İlke K., and their mentor teacher, Serpil Kılıç, from the Darüşşafaka Theater Community, in recognition of their exemplary staging of Moliere’s “Miser” at the Harbiye Muhsin Ertuğrul Stage, qualifying them to participate in the 39th edition of the Genç Günler Theater Festival, organized by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality City Theater.
The Nazıma Antel High School English Award: was conferred upon our student Emir Kürşat B. and his mentor teacher, Burcu Tuncel, for achieving first place at the highest level of the YUPPI English Excellence Contest,which saw participation from 6,000 students across 300 schools in Türkiye.