Istinye University Commemorates Prof. Dr. Yasemin Buran Çırak
Istinye University held a meaningful ceremony to honor the memory of Prof. Dr. Yasemin Buran Çırak, the esteemed Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, who made significant contributions to academia as well as her students. The ceremony was marked by emotional moments as her colleagues and students expressed their heartfelt feelings and shared memories held dearly.
The administrative staff, academics, and students of Istinye University gathered to commemorate Prof. Dr. Yasemin Buran Çırak, who tragically lost her life in an accident. The ceremony began with a minute of silence, followed by a reflection on the academic and professional milestones of her life. Her colleagues, family members, and students shared their thoughts on her academic achievements, influence on students, and compassionate nature. Among those who spoke at the ceremony were Rector Prof. Dr. Erkan İbiş, Deputy Secretary General Begüm Usta, and faculty members Dr. Nurgül Dürüstkan Elbaşı and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Refika Genç Koyuncu, along with many other members of the Istinye community.
“What matters is filling our lives with human values”
During his speech at the commemoration ceremony, Rector Prof. Dr. Erkan İbiş emphasized that Prof. Dr. Yasemin Buran Çırak was not only a distinguished academic but also a person of great kindness and integrity. He stated:
“The world is a stage, and each of us plays our role before stepping off. What truly matters is how we fill that time—with work, productivity, love, compassion, and universal human values. What matters is being remembered for our honesty, virtue, and humanity once we are gone. Today, we are gathered here to honor our esteemed Dean, Prof. Dr. Yasemin Buran Çırak, who left us far too soon. She dedicated her short 45 years to working, producing, leading, and embodying noble human qualities. We are here today to remember and celebrate her life.”
“We will keep her memory alive”
Throughout the ceremony, colleagues, students, and the university community paid tribute to Prof. Dr. Yasemin Buran Çırak, remembering her not only for her academic accomplishments but also for her kindness, dedication to her students, and love for life. Deputy Secretary General Begüm Usta reflected on Prof. Çırak’s impact, stating:
“What truly matters is how we live this life. Yasemin was a reasonable, solution-oriented, and loving person. Losing her is a great sorrow for all of us, but we know that the legacy she left behind—her students and her academic work—will continue to live on. We will keep her memory alive. May she and her family rest in peace.”
“She touched the lives of many students, patients, and people”
Acting Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Refika Genç Koyuncu, highlighted how Prof. Dr. Çırak made a lasting impact on many lives:
“She educated countless students, healed many patients, and touched the lives of so many. Her knowledge and passion for teaching will continue to live on through the students she mentored.”
Prof. Dr. Yasemin Buran Çırak was a highly respected academic who left a significant mark on the academic world, inspired her students, and positively impacted many lives. The Istinye University family faced this deep loss with unity and solidarity. Her students, family, and colleagues will continue to honor Prof. Dr. Çırak’s memory and pass on her academic and humanitarian legacy.
