A Culturally Rich Start to the Spring Semester at Marmara University’s Department of Early Childhood Education: Erzurum’s History and Culture Introduced

Marmara University Atatürk Faculty of Education, Department of Early Childhood Education, welcomed the 2025-2026 Spring Academic Semester with a meaningful and enthusiastic event. During the program held on Monday, February 16, 2026, Erzurum’s rich history, culinary culture, and artistic heritage were brought together with the students.

The "Erzurum: Historical and Cultural Promotion Program," organized in collaboration between Marmara University Atatürk Faculty of Education’s Department of Early Childhood Education and the Erzurum Education, Culture, and Solidarity Foundation, began with a moment of silence and the national anthem. Civil administration officials, faculty members, foundation representatives, and a large number of students attended the event held in the faculty conference hall.

Protocol Speeches

The opening speeches of the program were delivered by Deputy Governor Okan Leblebicier, Head of the Department of Early Childhood Education Prof. Dr. Özgül Polat, Vice Dean of the Atatürk Faculty of Education Asst. Prof. Dr. Alaattin Pusmaz, and the President of the Erzurum Foundation Hasan Koç. The speakers emphasized that education should not be limited to academic knowledge alone, highlighting the vital importance of recognizing and preserving cultural heritage for the holistic development of young people.

Active Participation from Student Clubs and Cultural Discovery

One of the most dynamic segments of the event featured presentations by student clubs, including the Learning Without Walls Club, Handicrafts from Past to Future Club, Culinary Arts Club, Childhood Culture Club, and Following the Child Club.

The comprehensive presentations prepared by the clubs specifically focusing on Erzurum attracted great interest. As part of the program, a virtual museum tour of the Erzurum region allowed participants to explore the city's historical sites in a digital environment. Furthermore, detailed presentations on Erzurum’s deep-rooted history and its world-renowned cuisine offered students both an academic and cultural feast of information.

Art and History Intertwined

Following the academic and cultural presentations, Adnan Çimen took the stage, providing participants with delightful moments through his "Orta Oyunu" (traditional Turkish theater) performance. This was followed by Ozan Baki Çetin, who presented exquisite examples of the minstrelsy (ozan) tradition. Prof. Dr. Harun Duman shed light on the profound history of Erzurum, explaining the city's historical significance and its diverse cultural layers.

A Feast of Gastronomy and Folk Dances

One of the most exhilarating moments of the program was the performance by the Erzurum Bar Team (folk dance group). Following the performance, which received great acclaim for its local melodies and traditional choreography, participants enjoyed an authentic gastronomic experience with the serving of traditional Erzurum delicacies, including Ayran Aşı Soup, Cağ Kebab, and Kadayıf Dolması.

As the Department of Early Childhood Education, we wish the new semester to be productive, peaceful, and filled with cultural richness for all our students and academic staff, mirroring the spirit of this event.