With its design aimed at helping prospective students gain awareness about universities and academic programs to make informed and well-considered choices, TercihFest, Türkiye’s first and only university preference event of its kind, was held this year between July 25–27 at the İbn Haldun University Complex.
A total of 633 outstanding prospective students from 51 different cities across Türkiye had the opportunity to closely experience the university atmosphere. As part of the program organized in collaboration between İbn Haldun University and Istanbul Technical University, a wide range of academic, social, and cultural activities took place — including workshops, inspiring summit talks, sample lectures, one-on-one consultations, and a Bosphorus tour.
Held under the theme “Tomorrow’s Türkiye,” TercihFest’25 aimed to contribute to the academic and personal development of young participants. As part of the program, future leaders had the opportunity to meet with visionary figures, gaining an unforgettable experience.
On the final day of TercihFest, Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan addressed prospective university students during the Summit Talks. He described being with young people as one of the most meaningful experiences of his life. Emphasizing the value of learning from the wisdom of elders instead of wasting time with trial and error, Fidan praised TercihFest as a strong example of valuable mentorship. Highlighting the importance of youth embracing responsibility, he urged students to be dedicated, passionate, and committed to a greater cause. Passion, he said, is not merely emotional enthusiasm but a principle that drives consistency and long-term success. He also underlined the importance of language learning and understanding different civilizations, stating, “To read life is to read people. Learning a language means understanding history, society, and humanity.” Calling for patience, perseverance, and self-competition, Fidan advised students to focus on their own growth instead of comparing themselves to others. Hakan Fidan concluded by stressing the need for a new historical perspective in today’s world—one based not on dry chronology, but on meaningful interpretation and critical inquiry. True virtue, lies not just in being powerful, but in knowing how to use that power and where to stand.
Speaking at the TercihFest Summit Talks, Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar expressed his pleasure in meeting future leaders of Türkiye. Highlighting the growing global demand for energy and the role of AI, he emphasized the need for uninterrupted, sustainable, and secure energy supply. Bayraktar underlined Türkiye’s efforts in food, security, and energy sectors, stating that a self-sufficient nation can only be built with the active contribution of youth. He concluded by encouraging students to use their time wisely.
In his speech, Baykar and Teknofest Chairman of the Board Selçuk Bayraktar also met with young participants during the Summit Talks held as part of TercihFest. Bayraktar emphasized the importance of having a clear purpose and direction, encouraging students to define the path they want to take in life. emphasized the importance of having a clear direction and purpose in life. He highlighted Baykar’s pioneering role in defense and technology, as well as the social impact of his foundation’s projects in health and the social sciences. Stressing the need for development rooted in national values, he introduced NextSosyal as a conscious alternative to digital manipulation. Describing Teknofest as a “paradigm shift,” he inspired youth by saying, “You will be the ones to lead this broken world into light.” He concluded by underlining faith and hope as essential guides for one's journey.
At the Summit Talks, President of Türkiye’s Defence Industry Agency, Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, emphasized the importance of supporting young people in making informed choices. Stressing the need for national strength to defend justice and sovereignty, he highlighted the role of youth in Türkiye’s continued progress. He underlined that true innovation requires not just technical design, but human-centered, sustainable thinking—possible only through collaboration with the social sciences. Encouraging lifelong learning, he urged students to seek experiences and skills that give them an edge, guided by purpose, truth, and moral integrity.
At the Summit Talks, Türkiye’s Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Safa Koçoğlu, highlighted key ministry initiatives such as volunteer work and addiction prevention. Addressing the youth, he advised: “Whatever you do, do it with determination and effort. You should have both big and small goals.” Emphasizing perseverance as a key factor behind success stories, he spoke about reading the era accurately and building the future on strong, value-based foundations. He concluded his interactive session by offering practical guidance for making the right choices.
Presidential Chief Advisor Akif Çağatay Kılıç addressed the youth at the Summit Talks, highlighting their growing responsibilities and the new chapter ahead. He emphasized that university life is not just about academics, but also about valuable social experiences. Urging students to seize every opportunity and not fear making mistakes, Kılıç reminded them that these days are unique and will be remembered as fleeting moments decades later.
TercihFest’25, organized by İbn Haldun University under the theme "Tomorrow’s Türkiye," attracted great interest with the participation of leading figures in their fields. On the first day of the program, polar scientist Burcu Özsoy emphasized to the youth that science can only be truly produced in the field, sharing insights about glacial research conducted in the fight against climate change. Highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary thinking, Özsoy encouraged students to engage in research and innovation, stating, "The race in life never ends—scientific production begins in the field."
On the second day of the program, journalist Mehmet Akif Ersoy shared striking insights on the relationship between social media, journalism, and truth in an open and engaging question and answer style conversation. Highlighting how reality is often distorted in the digital age, Ersoy remarked, “When we do something, we present it as if we’ve done ten things.” He emphasized the importance of critical thinking in media consumption and encouraged young people with the words, “You don’t have to follow every piece of news; build your own perspective.” Ersoy underlined that in an increasingly polarized world, the responsibility of reaching the truth lies with the younger generation.
TercihFest '25, which featured a rich and engaging program closely followed by prospective students, concluded with the Summit Talks.
