The “From Shadow to Light” Project, implemented in cooperation with Üsküdar University and Kastamonu Associations Federation (KASDERFED), with the support of the Ministry of Interior Directorate General for Relations with Civil Society and under the auspices of the Istanbul Governorship, concluded with a magnificent program. The program emphasized the empowerment of youth in terms of planning, project development, teamwork, and social values, while also highlighting the importance of the spirit of the National Struggle, cultural memory, and a youth raised with ideals. On the night, the “Timeless Women Istanbul Performance” theater show provided emotional moments.
The opening program held at Üsküdar University Main Campus Nermin Tarhan Conference Hall was broadcast live on Üsküdar Academy Official YouTube channel, ÜÜ TV, and BRTV.
Istanbul Deputy Governor M. Asım Alkan, Üsküdar University Founding Rector and Chairman of the Board of Trustees Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, ITO Assembly Member İshak Koçoğlu, İlim ve Fazilet Foundation President Mahmut Ekşi, KASDERFED President Fatma Kıranoğlu, Üsküdar University Social Contribution Coordinator Asst. Prof. Nebiye Yaşar, along with students, public institution representatives, and presidents and managers of non-governmental organizations, attended the program.
M. Asım Alkan: “Proper planning and foresight create lasting and strong works”
Istanbul Deputy Governor M. Asım Alkan delivered his speech within the scope of the program. Alkan said: “We didn't realize how a year passed; time really flies fast. When we first discussed this project, we stated how valuable it was for our youth, guiding them by equipping them with skills such as project preparation, teamwork, innovation, and leadership. Today, every unplanned step inevitably leads to negative consequences. It is no longer enough to act with the understanding of ‘The caravan assembles on the way’; instead, we must think several steps, even years, ahead. Examples from the past show that proper planning and foresight yield lasting and strong results. In this era of rapidly advancing technology, it is crucial to teach our youth a culture of planning, and to equip them with project development and collaborative work skills. This project, precisely at this point, serves as a very valuable endeavor that enlightens young people, broadens their horizons, and charts a new course for them.”
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan: “The project is a very valuable work that enlightens our youth”
Speaking at the program, Üsküdar University Founding Rector and Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan emphasized that Kastamonu is one of the cities that most strongly represent the spirit of the National Struggle, stating that transferring this spirit to younger generations is of vital importance. Tarhan said: “Kastamonu is one of our cities that most strongly represents the spirit of the National Struggle. The great losses suffered in Çanakkale are the most concrete indicator of this. This spirit has three main characteristics: love of country, love of religion, and love of freedom. As seen in the examples of Nene Hatun and Şerife Bacı, sacrificing one's life for the homeland is the highest point of human self-transcendence. Martyrdom is therefore a very sublime rank. We must absolutely pass this spirit on to our youth. The ‘From Shadow to Light’ project is precisely a very valuable endeavor that aims to keep this awareness alive and enlighten our youth. I thank our Ministry of Interior for their support of this meaningful project.”
“A person's greatness is measured by their ideals”
Highlighting that youth projects should be based on experiential learning, Tarhan stated that such efforts would protect young people against addiction, identity crisis, and erosion of values. Tarhan said: “Today, the global system is trying to push young people towards a conformist and self-centered mindset. However, a person's greatness is measured by their ideals. We must raise a youth with ideals that transcend themselves, thinking about society, the future, and humanity. As Üsküdar University, we carry out studies centered on family and humanity, and through positive psychology courses, we convey values such as empathy, gratitude, forgiveness, and sharing using scientific methods. Young people are at serious risk; addiction and suicide cases are increasing. Therefore, youth projects based on experiential learning are of vital importance. I hope that such projects will continue to increase.”
İshak Koçoğlu: “We cannot speak of sustainable development in a society where youth are not empowered”
Istanbul Chamber of Commerce Assembly Member İshak Koçoğlu spoke within the scope of the program. Koçoğlu expressed that they would always stand by the youth, saying: “Social development is not only an economic process but also a cultural and human one. We cannot speak of sustainable development in a society where young people are not empowered. I sincerely congratulate all institutions involved in this project, especially our youth.”
Mahmut Ekşi: “From Shadow to Light is a very valuable example…”
İlim ve Fazilet Foundation President Mahmut Ekşi delivered his speech at the program. Ekşi explained the importance of the project for society by saying: “The strongest way to keep our societal values alive is to carry them into the future with the right projects. In this sense, ‘From Shadow to Light’ is a very valuable example. I congratulate everyone who contributed.”
Fatma Kıranoğlu: “The project is a product of an understanding that not only tells the past but also builds the future”
Kastamonu Associations Federation (KASDERFED) President Fatma Kıranoğlu, in her speech within the scope of the program, emphasized the importance of youth in the project by saying: “As the Kastamonu Associations Federation, we see it as our responsibility to make the place of women in historical memory visible again. The ‘From Shadow to Light’ project is a product of an understanding that not only tells the past but also builds the future. I thank everyone who contributed to this meaningful work and want to emphasize our belief in the power of women once again.”
Asst. Prof. Nebiye Yaşar: “If the youth are empowered, society is empowered”
Following the speeches, a project information presentation was given by Üsküdar University Social Contribution Coordinator Asst. Prof. Nebiye Yaşar. In her presentation, Yaşar shared the social impact areas, achievements, and sustainability vision of the ‘From Shadow to Light’ Project. Yaşar emphasized the importance of youth in decision-making mechanisms by saying: “This project is a concrete and effective example of academia-public-civil society collaboration, aiming for young people to take a stronger place in social, cultural, and societal life. The achievements we gained throughout the process have clearly shown us this: If the youth are empowered, society develops and strengthens. I congratulate and thank everyone who contributed.”
Theatre performance was emotional…
In the continuation of the program, the “Timeless Women Istanbul Performance” was staged with the narration and visual presentation by Researcher-Writer İlknur Güntürkün Kalıpçı. The re-enactments by the members of Halime Çavuş Women's Association provided emotional moments to the audience.
Plaques were presented
At the end of the night, plaques were presented to the individuals and institutions who contributed, and the program concluded with a group photo session.
