A meaningful social responsibility event aimed at supporting and showing solidarity with Palestinian students was held at Kastamonu University. The project titled "A Photo, A Letter: Palestinian Students Addressing Their Families," conducted by Instructor Dr. Nazik Müge Tekin from the Turkish Teaching Application and Research Center (TÖMER) at Kastamonu University in collaboration with the Palestinian Volunteers Community, was held on June 11, 2025, in the Cemil Meriç Hall of the Central Library.

The event was attended by our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, Vice Rector, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Atalan; Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof. Dr. Abdülkadir Tuna; as well as a large number of academic-administrative staff and students. 

The program, which began with a moment of silence and the National Anthem, featured a slideshow consisting of images related to Palestine and reflecting the humanitarian tragedy being experienced. Then, they delivered opening speeches that outlined the purpose and content of the event.

In her speech, Project Coordinator Lecturer Dr. Nazik Müge Tekin stated that Palestinian students studying at Kastamonu University reflect their longing for their country and families through the photos they took in the streets of Kastamonu. 

Stating that the students wrote letters expressing their feelings to their families accompanied by these photos, Tekin said, "We aimed for our students to build an emotional bridge with their families through this project." This project is beyond an academic study; it is a reflection of our conscience, our humanitarian awareness, and our common values. "It is a concrete demonstration of Kastamonu University's respect for different cultures and its importance given to international students," she said. Tekin concluded her speech by thanking the Palestinian students who supported the project, the Palestinian Volunteers Community, the contributing students, and TÖMER.

 
TÖMER Deputy Assistant Professor Dr. Ferda Merve Karamanoğlu stated that teaching Turkish is not limited to just providing a language but also contributes to students establishing cultural ties with Turkey and feeling safe and at home here. Karamanoğlu stated, "Sharing the difficulties experienced by our students from different geographies, making them feel that they are not alone, and being their voice is a moral responsibility for us." "Today, we are trying to be the voice of our Palestinian students by standing by their side," she stated. 

At the event, we shared with the audience the photos taken by Palestinian students in Kastamonu and the letters they wrote to their families. The students' video presentation to their families was one of the program's most meaningful moments, as it conveyed their longing for home and sense of solidarity. During this emotional section, the students spoke to their families in their native languages, expressing their heartfelt emotions. The program continued with the presentation of certificates of appreciation to the contributing students and the academic staff who put in effort. Participants received photographs taken by Palestinian students in Kastamonu as part of the event. 
The event concluded with a group photo session.