People of Merzifon met at Üsküdar University

The Traditional Merzifonians Istanbul Meeting, hosted by Üsküdar University, was held in a sincere and strong atmosphere of unity. At the event, organized with the aim of adding value to Merzifon and contributing to the future, participants gathered in the warmth of a family dinner, going beyond a mere foundation meeting. The fact that the President of Üsküdar University Prof. Nevzat Tarhan is also from Merzifon added a special meaning to the gathering. 

The meeting held at Üsküdar University NP Health Campus was attended by President of Üsküdar University, Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, Merzifon Foundation President Hikmet Ruşen Menekşe, Board of Trustees Chairman Furkan Tarhan, TARHAN-İDER Foundation Board Member Fırat Tarhan, Rector’s Advisor Serdar Karagöz, Secretary General Asil Barış Bağ, Merzifon Foundation Spokesperson Cemal Hazneci, and former Deputy Adnan Tutgun, along with many Merzifonians living in Istanbul. 

The meeting began with a music recital performed by the Güzide Turkish Music Ensemble. 

Prof. Nevzat Tarhan: “Merzifon has a unifying aspect inherited from its history”

President of Üsküdar University, Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, delivered his opening remarks within the scope of the program. Tarhan said: “Merzifon has a spirit, the spirit of being from Merzifon… We are trying to revive and sustain this spirit. That’s why it is very valuable for Merzifonians to come together. Because there are many bonds among people. Let’s say if these bonds are 100, 90 of them are human bonds, and the remaining 10 are kinship (fellow townsfolk). We are not regionalists, but we believe that this bond of kinship is an important element that strengthens unity and solidarity among us. When describing the spirit of being from Merzifon, one also needs to look at history. Today, the Mehmet Çelebi Foundation is located where the clock tower stands. Mehmet Çelebi is considered the second founder of the Ottoman Empire. His leadership ended the Interregnum, which occurred after the death of Yıldırım Bayezid and was marked by struggles between the princes. In fact, this situation also reflects Merzifon’s character. Because Merzifon has a unifying, cohesive aspect inherited from its history. We continue to keep this spirit alive today.”

“We will strengthen our efforts together”

Tarhan, emphasizing the importance of the Foundation gaining strong representation, said: “Among Merzifonian youth, there are many young people who want to attend university but have limited means. Reaching out to them, supporting them, and standing by them is not only a financial but also a moral responsibility. Hopefully, we will further strengthen these efforts together in the coming period. Every support given to our Foundation is of great importance for its revitalization and for it to gain stronger representation. As a university, we continue to contribute within our means.” 

Hikmet Ruşen Menekşe: “We plan to implement the ‘Saplings of Merzifon’ project”

Merzifon Foundation President Hikmet Ruşen Menekşe explained the Foundation's vision and the scholarship opportunities provided to young people. Menekşe said: “Today, we share the happiness of experiencing Merzifon’s warmth and spirit of solidarity together in Istanbul. This gathering is not just a breakfast, but a strong expression of our togetherness. I would like to thank the President of Üsküdar University Prof. Nevzat Tarhan and the esteemed members of the university for hosting this meaningful organization. Dear fellow townsfolk, our foundation continues its work to strengthen social aid and reinforce the bonds among us. Especially through scholarship activities, it continues to support our students. Because investment in education is the most valuable investment in the future. With this understanding, we plan to implement the 'Saplings of Merzifon' project, which aims to provide both financial and moral support to our youth. I thank you for your participation and say, 'It's good that we are together.'”

Adnan Tutgun: “We will make our Foundation a more active and efficient structure”

Former Deputy Adnan Tutgun, who participated in the program, explained the Foundation's purpose. Tutgun said: “We established this foundation in 1996. So, we have been active for approximately 30 years. Our founding purpose was to contribute to Merzifon's promotion, support its cultural development, produce projects, and provide scholarship opportunities for our Merzifonian students in their university lives. Although the relocation of our foundation from Ankara to Merzifon has somewhat curtailed our activities, we continue our work with the significant contributions of our esteemed Ruşen. In the upcoming period, I believe that we will make our foundation a more active and efficient structure with our new team and friends.” 

Cemal Hazneci: “We attach importance to forming a strong bond”

Merzifon Foundation Spokesperson Cemal Hazneci emphasized the importance of the sense of belonging. Hazneci said: “First and foremost, I would like to express my great pleasure in reuniting with friends I haven't seen in a long time and meeting new fellow Merzifonians here. As the Merzifon Foundation, we attach importance to being in constant communication with all Merzifonians living in Istanbul and forming a strong bond. One of our most important goals in this process is to transfer the past accumulation and culture of the foundation to younger generations. In this regard, we are carrying out a rejuvenation effort, and we desire your contributions to this process. In an era where communication and transportation opportunities have developed, we do not see our foundation as limited to a single center; instead, we aim to be present everywhere within a multi-centered structure, including Merzifon, Ankara, and Istanbul. I would like to express that this meeting made me feel a sense of belonging once again. I believe that we will build an even stronger bond together.”

Following the speeches, plaque presentations were made. 

An oil painting was presented to Tarhan

For his foundation work and support, Prof. Nevzat Tarhan was presented with an oil painting created by Habibe Menekşe, wife of Foundation President Hikmet Ruşen Menekşe.

Plaque to President Menekşe…

Additionally, İsmail Aktaş, President of the Amasya Associations Federation, presented a plaque to Foundation President Hikmet Ruşen Menekşe. 

Signed book gift from Tarhan…

Following the program, Tarhan signed his book, Ezber Bozan Hayat (Life That Breaks the Mold), for the participants. Participants took many photos with Tarhan.