Prof. Dr. Aykut Özdarendeli was selected as Ahi of the Year
As part of the 37th Ahilik Week Celebrations organized by the Governor’s Office of Kayseri and Kayseri Union of Chambers of Tradesmen and Craftsmen, Prof. Dr. Aykut Özdarendeli, Director of ERU Vaccine Research and Development Institute, was selected as “Ahi of the Year”.
ERU Rector Prof. Dr. Fatih Altun, Assistant Secretary General of Kayseri Metropolitan Municipality Serdar Öztürk, ERU Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. M. Hakan Poyrazoğlu, Provincial Director of Commerce Gazi Dinçaslan, Deputy Chairman of the Central Union of Turkish Tradesmen and Craftsmen Credit and Guarantee Cooperatives Union Mustafa Alan, Chairman of Kayseri Union of Chambers of Tradesmen and Craftsmen Şeyhi Odakır, ERU Secretary General Prof. Dr. İbrahim Narin, Assistant Secretary General Prof. Dr. Afşın Alper Cerit, Members of the University Senate, academics and students attended the event held at Sabancı Cultural Complex.
Making a speech during the event, Rector Altun said: “Today, we are here to remember and keep alive the Ahi Order, one of the most important cultural treasures of our ancient history. The tradition has made us who we are, contributed to our strong, dynamic and intact life, shaped our consciousness of being a nation and has been just one of our national and spiritual values.”
Pointing out that Ahi Order has much deeper meanings beyond being a professional organization, our Rector continued as follows: Ahi Order is a philosophy of life based on values such as solidarity, unity, brotherhood, modesty, sharing and generosity. Thanks to these features, it has been one of the main pillars for the Turkish nation to be in unity and to overcome all difficulties in a spirit of solidarity for centuries. As a matter of fact, when Anatolia was subjected to the Mongol invasion in the 13th century, they were at the forefront to defend the homeland. It is written in history how the Ahis defended Kayseri against the invaders. On the other hand, the role of the Ahi Order in the establishment of the great Ottoman Empire is well known. The Ahi Order has been one of the most fundamental values of our nation for centuries, adopted by almost every segment of society in Anatolia, including tradesmen, farmers, students, scholars, villagers and urbanites. The fact that Ahi Evran, the founder of the Ahi Order, worked as a tradesman in Kayseri shows that this city has an ancient tradition of craftsmanship and a standard and quality production adorned with moral principles. Ahi Evran's combination of professional competencies with moral values is something that humanity has always needed. The fact that we still talk about and adopt his principles shows how important cultural heritage and spiritual values are in the formation of civilizations. Thus, Ahi Evran was not only a professional leader but also a figure leading the society. Even though more than eight centuries have passed since the emergence of Ahi Order, it continues to exist on these lands with its professional and moral principles.”
Stating that faculty members, who are the backbones of universities, are the most important bearers of the cultural heritage that these lands have gifted us, our Rector said that Prof. Dr. Aykut Özdarendeli was deemed worthy of the title of the Ahi of the Year. He said: “In these days when science is developing at a dizzying pace, we are aware of how crucial the values and principles of Ahi Order that permeate our society are for the academic community. Knowledge, humility and wisdom, as in Ahi Order, are values that develop as they are shared and carry societies and nations into the future in terms of civilization. Universities are one of the most influential bearers of these values. In this context, I would like to state proudly that the esteemed scientist Prof. Dr. Aykut Özdarendeli, deserves the title, “Ahi of the Year”. As is known, Professor Özdarendeli has been one of the very few scientists in the world to develop a vaccine against COVID-19. He donated the vaccine, the product of great effort, to the nation without any financial expectation. His sacrifice and love for homeland and nation are good examples of the Ahi philosophy in serving the society. As in the Ahi organization, he used his knowledge and skills not for his own benefit but for the benefit of the society, thus following in the footsteps of Ahi Evran and adopting the community service as a priority. We have no doubt that his behavior will set an example not only for the academics of our country but also for the academics and people all over the world. I congratulate him for his achievements and moral values, and I wish that we as a nation can protect the legacy left by Ahi Evran and pass it on to future generations.”
Deputy Chairman of the Central Union of Turkish Tradesmen and Craftsmen Credit and Guarantee Cooperatives Union Mustafa Alan said: “Ahi Evran is our past. Ahi Evran is our pir and master.”
Stating that the Ahi Order was remembered again thanks to the events organized, Chairman of Kayseri Union of Chambers of Tradesmen and Craftsmen Şeyhi Odakır said: “We are happy to come together with young people because they will carry the banner of Ahilik. We should instill and transfer the Ahi culture in them.”
Following the speeches, Ayşe Baldöktü Vocational Training Center Team performed the waistcloth tying (Sed Kusatma) ceremony.
After this performance, Prof. Dr. Aykut Özdarendeli was presented with a plaque and he wore the sed.
During his speech, he thanked those who contributed to the organization of the event. He said he was happy to be selected as the Ahi of the Year. He continued as follows: “As academics, we will continue to conduct scientific studies. We think of science not only as producing knowledge, but also as sharing knowledge and presenting it for the benefit of people. Our main goal will be to be a source of inspiration for future generations and to make them love science and learning.”
