Ataturk University Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı visited Tortum District for the intention of being intermingled with the public within the scope of vision of New Generation University.

The meeting, in which Rector Çomaklı met with the people and village heads in order to hear problems of the district, is attended by Mustafa çiftçiler, Tortum District Governor, Ahmet Çolak Tortum Vice Mayor, Prof. Dr. Tuncay İmamoğlu, Head of Tortum Vocational College, heads of State Institutions, delegates of political parties, heads of neighbourhoods and villages and citizens.

During the meeting, held at the Martyr Ömer Halis Demir Conference Hall of Tortum Religious Vocational School, Prof.  Dr. Çomaklı first told about the New Generation University Design and Transformation Project. Çomaklı stated that this project aims at being involved with all layers of the society and the visits and meetings took place to this end.

Agricultural and Veterinary Faculties at Service of  People of Tortum

Çomaklı said “the efforts are going on for the transformation of the science into a value for the society.”  He also underlined that at Ataturk University there occurs activities supporting the public with the transformation and development for the public reminding its mission spanning from the past to the future.

“I am pleased to be here with you with regard to the efforts of uniting with the public, integration and transformation of science into value for public benefit as parts of understanding of enterprising, innovative university. We have been in a rush to unite with public of which we are a part and to install a fair, transparent and reliable system since the first day in office.

As an innovative university, we endeavour to come together with you and find solutions to problems spending all our time for you. You should give support and come up with ideas to this end. We have to produce solutions to the problems of agriculture and husbandry, key economies in the district.  That is why, agricultural and veterinary faculties are always at service of people of Tortum. Farmers with any problems or request might have contact with our vocational college. Every vocational college is the contact bureau and face of our university.” Çomaklı said.   

Fight against  Terrorism is a first and foremost Human Endeavour 

We cannot turn our back to the events in the southern part of our country.  We are supportive of “the Operation Olive Branch.” We have declared through our senate decision that we are at disposal of Turkish Armed Forces. As a country, we have voiced our concern about the region to whole world since the beginning of war in Syria. We have tried to express our views on the possible structures emerging in the region. Using the right of self-defence, Turkish State launched “the Operation Olive Branch” to secure its unity and integrity, declaring the whole world that it will not allow a terrorist organisation to be established on its border of 911 km with the region.

The Country’s fight against terrorism should be first evaluated and supported as a human struggle. Because, behind the campaign lies our national unity and the geography of heart. Under these hard conditions, our country has been realising a legitimate self-defence. On the occasion of this program,  I would like to reiterate that we, as Ataturk University, support and side with our country, brave, glorious army and the President. May the God bless our army triumphant and our country lasting.” said Çomaklı.  

Rector Çomaklı listened to problems and requests of district people following his speech. Among the questions mostly related to agriculture and husbandry, farmers appealed for help stating that brucella disease have been widespread in the district.

Farmers wanted to know whether there is a gene pool for the plants in Tortum territory if not they demand that it should be established.