ITU's Maritime Faculty honors alumni and students at Fish Day, celebrating community achievements and reflecting on shared values.
The Istanbul Technical University (ITU) Faculty of Maritime, in collaboration with the ITU Maritime Faculty Alumni Association (DEFAMED), organized the Traditional Fish Day event on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the university's Tuzla Campus.
Hosted by Prof. Dr. Özcan Arslan, Dean of the ITU Faculty of Maritime, the event welcomed notable attendees, including former Minister of State Hayati Yazıcı, ITU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal, Piri Reis University Rector Prof. Dr. Nafiz Arıca, Chairman of the Assembly of the Chamber of Shipping IMEAK Başaran Bayrak, ITU DEFAMED Board Chairman Av. Capt. Çağlar Coşkunsu, ITU DEFAV Board Chairman Capt. Koray Karagöz, along with representatives from the maritime sector, academics, alumni, their families, and students.
During the event, honorary doctorates were awarded to Refik Akdoğan, a graduate of the Maritime School of Higher Education (YDO) from 1948, and Fahrettin Küçükşahin, a graduate from 1951. Additionally, service plaques were presented to senior graduates who have dedicated 40, 50, and 60 years to the profession.
In his opening speech, Prof. Dr. Özcan Arslan emphasized the significance of Fish Days, stating that they are not merely gatherings but occasions to unite around shared values and support one another in both joy and sorrow. He remarked, "The most important thing that empowers a person is knowing that they are not alone in difficult times, just as in good times."
This year's event was marked by a sense of sorrow as it commemorated student Muhammed Kaan Kılınç, who tragically lost his life during the Marine Transportation Management and Support Services process, along with all sailors who have passed away. Prof. Arslan expressed his condolences and wished patience to their families, loved ones, and the entire maritime community.
Prof. Dr. Özcan Arslan highlighted that Fish Days also serve as an important opportunity to evaluate the faculty's development. He noted steady academic progress, including an increase in faculty members and strong representation in national and international academic studies, projects, and scientific events.
He pointed out that the presence of four faculty members on Stanford University's list, based on international impact criteria, is a testament to academic quality. He also noted the improvement in student success rankings, particularly in the Marine Transportation Engineering program, and the remarkable success of the newly opened Maritime Business Management program in its first year.
For the first time in a long while, students with success rankings in the tens of thousands are receiving education at the faculty, with many listing it among their top choices. Prof. Arslan emphasized the launch of the Maritime Simulation Training Center in October, which boasts infrastructure exceeding world standards, and expressed gratitude to all donors and supporters who contributed to its establishment.
He announced plans for a new training building equipped with modern technologies to replace the existing Mediterranean Building, stating that a protocol has been signed with relevant institutions along with the Rector. He also thanked the municipalities of Tuzla, Gebze, and surrounding areas for their efforts in environmental arrangements and landscaping for the faculty, mentioning ongoing plans for technical and social centers to enhance societal awareness and educational activities in the maritime field.
In conclusion, Prof. Dr. Özcan Arslan made a heartfelt appeal to students, stating, "Our students are the youngest and strongest links of this community. It is our shared duty to raise them not only as good engineers but also as responsible individuals." He reiterated his tribute to the late student and entrusted all students, the future, and the maritime community to the conscience and support of the participants.
Speaking on behalf of the ITU Faculty of Maritime students, Yunus Emre Oğuz emphasized that the Maritime School of Higher Education (YDO) represents not just an educational institution but a strong family. He paid respect to the late student Muhammed Kaan Kılınç during his speech.
Oğuz highlighted the values embodied by YDO, one of Turkey's most established maritime institutions since the 1990s, stating that it represents great responsibility, discipline, and honor. He described YDO as a family, fostering a culture of solidarity among students, saying, "Here, there is brotherhood, sisterhood, and kinship. It is a bond of hearts that leans on each other in tough times and serves as a compass for those who have lost their way."
He remembered first-year student Muhammed Kaan Kılınç, whose recent passing has created deep sorrow, emphasizing that this loss underscores YDO's identity as a large family where both successes and challenges are shared.
Oğuz expressed that responsibility is collective, highlighting the importance of solidarity and strong communication within YDO. He stated that YDO offers a way of life beyond merely providing a profession, with the brotherhood formed here being passed down through generations with morality, stance, and honor.
In his speech, Oğuz also referenced Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's maritime vision, stressing the need to preserve inherited values while adapting to contemporary requirements. He noted that graduates are the living memory of YDO and that the strongest compass for students is this enduring bond.
Concluding his speech with a call for unity, Yunus Emre Oğuz stated, "Our strength is not our individual successes, but our unity. Regardless of our names and titles, our surname will always be Yüksek Denizcilik Okulu."
The 141st Fish Day concluded with fish served in the campus cafeteria in memory of the day.
Source: www.denizhaber.com
