Türkiye’s Council of Higher Education (YÖK) has called on universities to conduct scientific and academic studies supporting the “Terror-Free Türkiye” goal outlined by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
YÖK President Erol Özvar sent a letter titled “The Contribution of Higher Education Institutions to the ‘Terror-Free Türkiye’ Goal” to universities across the country, according to a statement issued by the council.
The letter said Türkiye is undergoing a historic process aimed at strengthening public peace and security, national unity and solidarity, fraternity and social cohesion.
It said the “Terror-Free Türkiye” goal is important for completely freeing the country from terrorism and violence, enabling citizens to look to the future with peace and confidence, and further unlocking Türkiye’s human, economic and social potential.
Universities have an important role in strengthening common values and social solidarity through their education, research, scientific publications and community engagement, the letter said.
It called for the “Terror-Free Türkiye” goal to be examined through its social, economic, legal, political, cultural and security dimensions, with contributions from different academic disciplines.
The letter also urged universities to conduct academic research and studies, organize panels, conferences and workshops, and share their scientific assessments with the public.
“Taking into consideration the importance of the ‘Terror-Free Türkiye’ goal for our country’s future, strengthening an environment of social peace and security, and consolidating our national unity and solidarity, I respectfully request that our universities contribute to this process through scientific and academic studies in line with their own academic capabilities, expertise and priorities,” Özvar said.
Özvar said Türkiye had experienced great suffering because of terrorism in the past, emphasizing the importance of the “Terror-Free Türkiye” goal for the country’s future and young people.
“‘Terror-Free Türkiye’ means that our country’s strength is not wasted on terrorism and that all its resources and energy are directed toward science, education, production, development and the future of our young people. Our country’s future is bright. We have confidence in our future and our youth,” he said.
Özvar said universities have an important responsibility in strengthening social peace and fraternity, noting that millions of young people from across Türkiye are preparing for their futures at higher education institutions.
He described universities as “spaces of fraternity” where young people work together for the country’s future and move forward toward tomorrow together.
Universities should go beyond simply supporting the process and contribute to building lasting social peace through knowledge, science and research, Özvar said.
He also commemorated the country’s martyrs and expressed respect for their families and gratitude to veterans.
“We commemorate with mercy, gratitude and loyalty our revered martyrs who sacrificed their lives so that we may live in peace and security in these lands, extend our respect to their cherished families, and express our gratitude to our heroic veterans. The sacred memory of our martyrs will always remain a trust entrusted to our nation,” he said.
