They Took Turkish Cuisine to the World Stage: International Successes by IGU Students

The “University Monitoring and Evaluation General Report–2025,” prepared by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), has been published. The report presents the performance of universities in Türkiye across many dimensions, from academic output and internationalization to accessibility and quality assurance. According to the report, Istanbul Gelisim University ranked 1st nationwide in the number of “Patent, Utility Model, or Design” applications, achieving a significant success. The report also shows that Istanbul Gelisim University ranked among the top 20 universities in categories such as the number of accredited undergraduate programs, employment of international faculty members, international awards, and accessible library resources for individuals with disabilities.

Students of Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) drew attention with their achievements at the 22nd International Istanbul Gastronomy Festival, one of the most prestigious gastronomy events in Türkiye. Competing in two separate team categories at the university level, IGU students achieved remarkable success by winning gold medals in both categories. Held between December 17–20, 2025 at the Bahçelievler Convention Center, the festival was organized under the leadership of the Turkish Chefs Federation (TAŞFED) in cooperation with the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS). Bringing together numerous professional chefs, academics, and students at national and international levels, the event provided a shared platform for current gastronomic approaches and practical skills.

Students of Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) achieved a significant success at the 22nd International Istanbul Gastronomy Festival, one of Turkey’s longest-standing and most prestigious organizations in the field of gastronomy. Competing in the “JPT 2 – Best University Team of the Year Competition,” IGU teams earned gold medals with their outstanding performance. In addition, the students who won the gold medal were presented with certificates of appreciation by Abdülkadir Gayretli, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Istanbul Gelisim University.

As part of the SATMER Art Events organized by the Istanbul Gelişim University Art and Design Application and Research Center (SATMER), painter Bilgin Çelik’s exhibition titled “Cosmic Journey” met art lovers at the Istanbul Gelisim Art Gallery. Curated by Asst. Prof. Mustafa Günay, Director of SATMER at Istanbul Gelisim University, the exhibition attracted significant interest from academic circles and art audiences. The opening ceremony was attended by Istanbul Gelişim University Rector Prof. Dr. Bahri Şahin, IGU Secretary General Assoc. Prof. Serdar Egeli, academic and administrative staff, students, and many art enthusiasts from outside the university. The exhibition featured 50 works inspired by themes of space, consciousness, and the inner universe.

Turkish Psychological Counseling and Guidance Association (Turkish PDR Association) Istanbul Provincial Representative Yusuf Akgün and Deputy Chairman of the Turkish PDR Association Prof. Mehmet Engin Deniz paid a visit to Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU). Within the scope of the visit, a cooperation protocol covering collaboration in the field of guidance and psychological counseling was signed between the two institutions.

A comprehensive evaluation meeting was held between Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) and Avcılar Municipality with the aim of strengthening university–local government cooperation, diversifying areas of joint work, and implementing projects focused on social benefit. The meeting, attended by approximately 30 participants, was joined by Avcılar Deputy Mayor Yüksel Can, Deputy Mayors of Avcılar, and representatives of relevant municipal departments. Istanbul Gelisim University was represented by Rector Prof. Bahri Şahin; Vice Rectors Prof. Nuri Kuruoğlu, Prof. Necmettin Maraşlı, and Prof. Arda Öztürkcan; IGU Secretary General Assoc. Prof. Serdar Egeli; as well as academic and administrative unit representatives.

Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) hosted a professional development training program aimed at specialists working in the field of guidance and psychological counseling. As part of the program, Asst. Prof. Volkan Demir, a Faculty Member of the Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, delivered a seminar on art therapy–based approaches. The seminar addressed the psychological, emotional, and social effects of art therapy in the developmental processes of children and adolescents. The event was attended by IGU Secretary General Assoc. Prof. Serdar Egeli, Bahçelievler Guidance and Research Center Director Mehmet Ali Deniz, Head of Special Education and Guidance and Support Services Branch Ebru Uzun, Head of the Psychological Counseling and Guidance (PCG) Department Elif Gür, as well as psychological counselors and guidance teachers working in the Bahçelievler district.

Istanbul Gelisim University hosted the first day of the FutureScope International Short Film Festival, which brings together young filmmakers under the theme of sustainability. The two-day festival includes film screenings, workshops, talks, and the presentation of the Labor Awards. With a scope that emphasizes cinema’s power to create social awareness, the event brought together a wide audience at the University from students to industry professionals. The program featured Istanbul Gelisim University Rector Prof. Bahri Şahin, along with guidance counselors, jury members, and sector representatives.

Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU), through its Technology Transfer Office (TTO) and Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit (BAP-K), has launched the Student Research and Innovation Project Competition. Designed to merge students’ academic knowledge with innovative ideas and to foster a research culture early on, the competition offers IGU students the opportunity to develop original projects and bring their ideas to life. Students may apply individually or as a team, making this a significant step toward embracing scientific research and innovation.

Within the scope of Take Off Istanbul 2025, organized under the leadership of the Republic of Türkiye Presidential Investment and Finance Office, the Ministry of Industry and Technology, and the Türkiye Technology Team (T3), Istanbul Gelisim University TEKMER took a strong place in the ecosystem together with Naturstem Biotechnology, Bilimtech Electronics, and Promech Technology.