The “From Shadow to Light” Project, implemented through the collaboration of Üsküdar University and the Federation of Kastamonu Associations (KASDERFED) with the support of the Ministry of Interior Directorate General of Civil Society Relations and under the auspices of the Istanbul Governorate, was completed with an impressive closing ceremony. The program emphasized empowering young people through planning, project development, teamwork, and social values, while also highlighting the importance of the spirit of the National Struggle, cultural memory, and raising a generation guided by strong ideals. The evening’s theatrical performance “Timeless Women Istanbul Performance” created deeply emotional moments for the audience.
The opening ceremony, held at Üsküdar University Main Campus Nermin Tarhan Conference Hall, was broadcast live on the Üsküdar Academy Official YouTube Channel, ÜÜ TV, and BRTV.
The program was attended by Istanbul Deputy Governor M. Asım Alkan, President of Üsküdar University Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, ITO Assembly Member İshak Koçoğlu, President of the Science and Virtue Foundation Mahmut Ekşi, KASDERFED President Fatma Kıranoğlu, Üsküdar University Social Contribution Coordinator Dr. Nebiye Yaşar, along with students, representatives of public institutions, and leaders and executives of civil society organizations.
M. Asım Alkan: “Proper planning and foresight create lasting and strong outcomes”
Speaking within the scope of the program, Istanbul Deputy Governor M. Asım Alkan stated: “We hardly realized how quickly a year passed. When we first discussed this project, we emphasized how valuable it would be for our young people by guiding them through skills such as project preparation, teamwork, innovation, and leadership. Today, any step taken without planning inevitably leads to negative outcomes. We can no longer rely on the idea of ‘things will fall into place along the way.’ Instead, we must think several steps ahead, even years into the future. History shows that proper planning and foresight produce sustainable and powerful achievements. In this era of rapidly advancing technology, teaching young people a culture of planning and the ability to produce projects and work together is critically important. This project truly stands out as a valuable initiative that broadens young people’s horizons and offers them direction.”
Prof. Nevzat Tarhan: “This project is a highly valuable initiative that guides our youth”
Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, President of Üsküdar University, emphasized that Kastamonu is one of the cities that most strongly represents the spirit of the National Struggle, and that transferring this spirit to younger generations is vital.
“Kastamonu is one of our cities that most powerfully represents the spirit of the National Struggle. The heavy losses suffered at Çanakkale are a concrete example of this. This spirit has three fundamental pillars: love of homeland, love of faith, and passion for freedom. As seen in the examples of Nene Hatun and Şerife Bacı, being willing to sacrifice one’s life for the homeland represents the highest level of self-transcendence. Martyrdom is therefore an exalted status. We must pass this spirit on to our youth. The From Shadow to Light Project is a highly valuable initiative that aims to keep this awareness alive and guide our young people. I would like to thank our Ministry of Interior for supporting this meaningful project.”
“A person’s greatness is measured by their ideals”
Highlighting that youth projects should be based on experiential learning, Prof. Tarhan stated that such initiatives protect young people against addiction, identity crises, and value erosion: “Today’s global system pushes young people toward conformism and egocentrism. However, a person’s greatness is measured by their ideals. We must raise a generation that transcends the self and embraces ideals focused on society, the future, and humanity. At Üsküdar University, we conduct human-centered and family-oriented studies, and through positive psychology courses we scientifically teach values such as empathy, gratitude, forgiveness, and sharing. Young people face serious risks today, including addiction and rising suicide rates. Therefore, youth projects based on experiential learning are of critical importance. I hope such initiatives continue to grow.”
İshak Koçoğlu: “There can be no sustainable development in a society where youth are not empowered”
Speaking during the program, ITO Assembly Member İshak Koçoğlu said: “Social development is not only an economic process but also a cultural and humanitarian one. Without empowered youth, sustainable development is impossible. I sincerely congratulate all institutions involved in this project, especially our young participants.”
Mahmut Ekşi: “From Shadow to Light is a highly valuable example”
Mahmut Ekşi, President of the Science and Virtue Foundation, stated: “The strongest way to preserve our social values is to carry them into the future through well-designed projects. From Shadow to Light is a very valuable example in this regard. I congratulate everyone who contributed.”
Fatma Kıranoğlu: “This project is not only about the past, but about building the future”
Speaking on behalf of KASDERFED, President Fatma Kıranoğlu said: “As the Federation of Kastamonu Associations, we consider it a responsibility to make women’s place in historical memory visible once again. The From Shadow to Light Project reflects an approach that does not merely narrate the past, but actively builds the future. I thank everyone who contributed and reaffirm our belief in the strength of women.”
Dr. Nebiye Yaşar: “When youth are empowered, society becomes stronger”
Following the speeches, a project briefing was delivered by Dr. Nebiye Yaşar, Social Contribution Coordinator at Üsküdar University. “This project is a concrete and effective example of cooperation between academia, public institutions, and civil society, aiming to strengthen young people’s participation in social, cultural, and civic life. The outcomes clearly show that when youth are empowered, society develops and grows stronger. I congratulate and thank everyone involved.”
Theatrical performance moved the audience
The program continued with the “Timeless Women Istanbul Performance”, presented with narration and visual storytelling by Researcher and Author İlknur Güntürkün Kalıpçı. Performances by members of the Halime Çavuş Women’s Association deeply moved the audience.
Plaque presentation
The evening concluded with the presentation of plaques to contributing individuals and institutions, followed by a group photo session.
