On May 15, İstinye University welcomed nearly 100 special education students and their families from across Istanbul to its campus for the second Special Education Festival. The event was organized in collaboration with the Sarıyer District Directorate of National Education and the Sarıyer Guidance and Research Center, and was hosted by the university’s Departments of Child Development and Gastronomy and Culinary Arts.
During the festival, children participated in fun activities such as face painting and cooking workshops, while their families had the opportunity to engage with expert academics from İstinye University’s Child Development Department.
In his opening speech, İstinye University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Peyami Çelikcan emphasized the university’s commitment to contributing to society at all levels and ages. He expressed how valuable it was to connect with students in special education and affirmed that similar events would continue in the future.
“All segments of society must play a role”
Sarıyer District Governor Ömer Kalaylı, who also attended the event, noted that this year’s festival followed the success of the inaugural event held last year at İstinye University. Referring to May 10–16 as the United Nations-designated Disability Awareness Week, he stated:
“Throughout this week, many important activities are carried out. Disability is not just an issue for individuals with disabilities — it is a shared concern for the entire society. No individual chooses to be disabled. By acknowledging, understanding, and embracing the challenges faced by people with disabilities, we can find solutions. I sincerely thank İstinye University for organizing and hosting this meaningful event.”
“Individuals with special needs are an inseparable part of society”
Sarıyer District Director of National Education, Hüseyin Özcanlar, underlined that individuals with disabilities are an inseparable part of society. He stressed the importance of growing empathy and awareness in Turkey and shared that the Directorate is working with full dedication to ensure equal opportunities in education and to create environments where students with special needs can realize their potential. Özcanlar also extended his gratitude to İstinye University for its contribution to bringing the Special Education Festival to life.
