A commemoration symposium was organized by Erzurum Technical University (ETU) Faculty of Letters on the 50th anniversary of the death of Nurettin Topçu, one of the important figures of Turkish intellectual life.

The opening program of the symposium, which was organized to discuss Nurettin Topçu's world of thought, moral understanding, sociological approaches, works and his contributions to Türkiye's cultural development, was attended by ETU Rector Prof. Dr. Bülent Çakmak, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Ceren Sultan Elmalı, Prof. Dr. Naim Ürkmez, Dean of the Faculty of Letters Prof. Dr. Uğur Akbulut and academicians and university students from various universities in Türkiye, as well as Nurettin Topçu Social Sciences High School students and Hüseyin Avni Ulaş Anatolian High School students.

Speaking at the opening of the program, Dean Akbulut emphasized the importance of Nurettin Topçu in the history of Turkish thought, saying, “Nurettin Topçu is not only an academic or a man of thought; he is also a pioneering figure who tried to build a vision of civilization. His understanding of education based on his spiritual roots played a major role in the intellectual and moral reconstruction of our nation. Today, by coming together here, we are not only commemorating a thinker; we are also embarking on a journey in his world of ideas.”

Rector Çakmak, who came to the podium after Dean Akbulut, drew attention to Topçu’s morally based thought structure and said: “Societies are based on a strong sense of morality. Nurettin Topçu is one of the rare intellectuals who has not only presented a theoretical moral philosophy in his works, but has also applied it to his life. In the face of identity and value crises experienced in today’s world, his ideas offer us a solid stance. For this reason, re-reading and understanding Topçu’s works is more important than ever.”

Following the speeches, the symposium continued with four sessions, where academics informed the audience about Topçu's philosophy of movement, his understanding of morality, nationalism and democracy, his perspective on art, his thoughts on education and the depth of meaning in his works.

The program, which was followed with interest, ended with Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Naim Ürkmez presenting certificates of appreciation to the speakers.

Corporate Communications and Promotion Directorate 06.05.2025