The program titled “Being a University in Gaza,” organized by the Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN) Science Communication Office, addressed the historical development of education, higher education, and academic life in Gaza from the past to the present, with the participation of Assist. Prof. Dr. Ufuk Dağlıoğlu, a faculty member of the Department of Basic Islamic Sciences at our Faculty.

The program, held at the BEUN Farabi Youth Office, was moderated by Assist. Prof. Dr. Melek Toparlak Şahin, Deputy Coordinator of the BEUN Corporate Communications Coordination Office and Head of the BEUN Science Communication Office. The guest of the program was Assist. Prof. Dr. Ufuk Dağlıoğlu, a member of our Faculty’s academic staff.

The program was held as part of the activities of Science Communication Offices, established by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) to bring science together with society at universities and to communicate scientific knowledge to different segments of society in an accessible manner. The historical development and current state of education and higher education in Gaza were evaluated from an academic perspective.

The Development of Education and Higher Education in Gaza Was Discussed

The program first provided information about the Palestinian issue and the historical and social structure of Gaza. The development of education and teaching in Gaza from the past to the present, the emergence of higher education institutions, and the structure of universities in Gaza were then discussed. The discussion also addressed the establishment of the Islamic University of Gaza, the changes it has undergone over time, and its current situation. The program further explored what it means to be a student in Gaza and the conditions students face in their educational lives.

Attention Was Drawn to the Continuation of Academic Life in Gaza

The program also evaluated the effects of developments in Gaza on education and academic life, drawing attention to the relationship between the right to education, the continuation of scientific and academic activities, and the existence of a safe environment. Within the scope of the program, information was shared to help understand the educational and higher education dimensions of the events in Gaza from an academic perspective, while the importance of universities, students, and academics in Gaza regaining access to a safe academic environment was emphasized.

The program concluded following the evaluations and question-and-answer session.