Manisa Celal Bayar University celebrated the 'Nevruz Festival,' which is considered a symbol of the arrival of spring, at the Süleyman Demirel Cultural Center.

The program was attended by Rector Prof. Dr. Rana Kibar, Deputy Governor Erhan Günay, Yunusemre District Governor Atilla Kantay, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Ahmet Çetin, Prof. Dr. Kadir Ay, Prof. Dr. Oktay Üçer, members of the provincial protocol, academic and administrative staff of our university, students, and guests.

Starting with a moment of silence and the national anthem, the program featured a speech by Prof. Dr. Rana Kibar, who stated, "Nevruz is a meaningful festival celebrating the awakening of nature, rebirth, and hope, symbolizing a deep-rooted tradition that spans thousands of years. Nevruz reminds us of the cycle of nature. After the cold and dark days of winter, spring arrives, nature awakens, trees blossom, and the earth turns green. This heralds the continuity of life and rebirth. While Nevruz reminds us that everything is temporary, it also teaches us that hope should never be lost."

Emphasizing that they see our differences as richness and believe in the importance of living together in tolerance and peace, Rector Kibar stated, "As Manisa Celal Bayar University, we do not limit our educational activities to academic knowledge alone. We also aim to instill universal values such as tolerance, peace, justice, and human rights in our students. Today, by celebrating Nevruz Festival, we want to highlight these values once again. I extend my heartfelt wishes for a happy Nevruz Festival and wish you all healthy, happy, and successful days."

Prof. Dr. Ayşe İlker, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, gave a conference titled "Nevruz Celebrations in the Turkic World."

Providing general information about Nevruz and emphasizing that the celebrations of March 21 Nevruz are a tradition that has been celebrated with great enthusiasm among Turkic tribes, as well as Seljuk and Ottoman Turks, Prof. Dr. Ayşe İlker explained how Nevruz celebrations have gained meaning within the Turkic World.

The program continued with a performance by the Manisa Celal Bayar University Turkish Folk Dance Ensemble and concluded with a Music Recital titled "Echoes from the Turkic World" presented by the Faculty of Education Department of Music faculty members and students.