The "Nevruz of the Turks" panel, held as part of the Nevruz Festival organized by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Kastamonu University, took place on April 8, 2026, in the Sezai Karakoç Hall of the Central Library, with the participation of academics and students. In the program organized as part of our university's 20th-anniversary events, the historical, cultural, and social dimensions of Nevruz were discussed.

The program, which began with a moment of silence and the reading of the National Anthem, featured an opening speech by Prof. Dr. Fatma Zehra Pattabanoğlu, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, who emphasized that Nowruz is one of the founding elements of our civilization. 

Stating that Nevruz symbolizes the Turks' emergence from Ergenekon and the rebirth of nature, Prof. Dr. Pattabanoğlu said, "Nevruz means new day." I hope that this special day, which symbolizes resurrection, hope, unity, and togetherness, brings happiness. "he said." Emphasizing the importance of cultural continuity, Prof. Dr. Pattabanoğlu stated that passing this heritage on to future generations is a significant responsibility. 

After Prof. Dr. Pattabanoğlu's speech, the session proceeded to a panel chaired by Prof. Dr. Mehmet Serhat Yılmaz. In the panel, Prof. Dr. Yılmaz stated that Nowruz is not just a seasonal change but a deep-rooted tradition that strengthens shared memory and cultural unity in the Turkic world.

The first speaker at the panel, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Kıldıroğlu, in his presentation titled "Nevruz in History," addressed the historical origins of Nevruz and its relationship with the narratives of rebirth and freedom in Turkish history. In his speech, Assoc. Dr. Kıldıroğlu stated that Nowruz is an important cultural symbol that keeps the collective memory alive. 

After Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kıldıroğlu, Prof. Dr. Vüsale Musalı, in her presentation titled "Nevruz in the Turkish World and Azerbaijan," highlighted the ways Nevruz is celebrated in the Turkish world, particularly in Azerbaijan. Emphasizing that Nowruz is celebrated with similar values across different geographies, Musalı stated that this shared culture has created a strong bond among the Turkic world.  

Another panel speaker, Prof. Dr. Gülten Küçükbasmacı, addressed the Nevruz traditions in Anatolia and highlighted its importance for folk culture, rituals, and social solidarity. Prof. Dr. Küçükbasmacı stated that Nowruz is a deep-rooted cultural heritage in Anatolia that welcomes the arrival of spring. 

After the speeches, certificates of appreciation were presented to the panelists for their contributions. 

As part of the Nevruz Bayramı Şenliği events, the theater performance titled "Özünü Kesen Kılıç," prepared by the students of the Culture and Arts Application and Research Center and the Culture and Arts Research Society, was presented to the audience in the Sezai Karakoç Hall.