A futsal tournament was organized in memory of Rabia Elmacı, a student of Erzurum Technical University (ETU), who lost her life in the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş, which were described as the disaster of the century.

In collaboration with the Faculty of Sports Sciences at ETU and student societies, the Education and Culture Club organized a futsal tournament to commemorate Rabia Elmacı, a first-year student in the Department of Computer Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture at ETU, who lost her life in the earthquake disaster that occurred on February 6 while visiting her hometown of Hatay during the semester break.

ETU Rector Prof. Dr. Bulent Çakmak, deans, academicians, and many students, along with Rabia Elmacı's relatives, attended the final program of the tournament.

The program, which began with a minute of silence and the singing of the Turkish National March, included a video presentation prepared in memory of Rabia and a recitation from the Quran.

In his opening speech, Rector Cakmak expressed that the disaster had inflicted deep wounds, saying, "It is truly difficult to speak at such times. Every soul shall taste death. However, our Rabia, like our other brothers and sisters who perished in the earthquake, attained the rank of martyrdom. How fortunate you are, her relatives, to have a martyr among you. The precious memory of our Rabia will always be with us. On this occasion, I extend my condolences to all our citizens who lost their lives in disasters and offer my condolences to their families. I thank everyone who contributed to the organization of the program."

Following Rector Çakmak's speech, Furkan Oget, Advisor of the Education and Culture Club and Instructor at the Faculty of Sports Sciences, stated that the sorrow of those who lost their lives in the disaster was still very fresh, saying, "We know that death does not end with the cessation of the body, but with the end of love and memories. We will always feel our sister among us and close to us."

Finally, Rabia's uncle, Osman Köylü, expressed great happiness at being at ETU and thanked those who cherished Rabia's memory and contributed to the organization of the event.

Following the speeches, the final match began, in which the Department of Computer Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture defeated the Department of Business Administration at the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences 6-5 in penalty shootouts to win the championship. The champion team received the trophy from Rector Cakmak.

Corporate Communication Directorate, May 3, 2024