Dear Students,
First of all, I
congratulate you on your success in the challenging university entrance exams
and for choosing our faculty, as well as your families who have supported you
at every stage of your life.
Balıkesir, an
ancient city with its location at the meeting point of the Aegean and Marmara
regions and its natural riches, is also renowned for its historical sites,
scholars, statesmen, artists, poets, writers, and Sufis. Among Balıkesir's
famous natural attractions are the Kaz Mountains, Avşa Island, Cunda Island,
Bird Paradise National Park, Kapıdağ Peninsula, Manyas Bird Lake, Ayvalık
Islands, Sütüven Waterfall, and Suçıktı Picnic Area. In the city center, the
Karesibey Tomb, Yıldırım Mosque, Zağnos Paşa Mosque, Şeyh Lütfullah Mosque,
Çamlık Martyrs' Mosque, Alacamescid, the Clock Tower, the Kuva-yı Milliye
Museum, the Ömer Ali Bey Manuscripts Library, Çamlık National Garden, and the
National Library are among the city's most popular attractions. Our faculty-organized
field trips to these sites provide our students with the opportunity to explore
the historical and cultural values of our city, including its city center and
districts.
The city of
science and wisdom, Balıkesir, has produced numerous scholars and Sufi mystics
from the time of Karesi Bey to the present day. Sheikh Lütfullah Efendi, Imam
Birgivî (Mehmed Efendi), Hasan Baba, Hasan Basri Çantay, Mehmet Vehbi Bolak,
Abdülaziz Mecdi Tolon, Gönenli Mehmet Efendi, Sarı Hoca (Mehmet Ruhi Turan),
and Hafız Ahmet Karatoprak are just a few of them.
Since its
establishment, our faculty has been conducting academic research for over ten
years, as well as organizing congresses, workshops, and national and
international information festivals to highlight the spiritual and cultural
values of the city and region we live in. In addition, various scientific
activities are carried out in collaboration with the Presidency of Religious
Affairs, the Ministry of National Education, and civil society organizations to
enhance the quality of religious educators and religious officials and to
foster a correct understanding of religion among our people.
Our faculty
employs numerous teaching staff, from professors to research assistants, who
guide our students in almost every field, primarily in education and training.
Having moved to its own building on our university campus a year ago, our
faculty now provides our students with better physical and academic conditions
for learning, allowing them to benefit from all the opportunities offered by
campus life.
Our goal is to
cultivate dedicated, knowledgeable individuals with good morals and wisdom who
respect the values of the society in which they live. Increasing our
achievements at the national and international levels, enhancing scientific
quality, and preparing our students for the future in terms of professional and
scientific competence are also among our goals.
Our graduates can
work as teachers in the Ministry of National Education and take up positions in
the Presidency of Religious Affairs. Depending on their success in central or
other examinations, they can become civil servants in various fields.
Dear Young
People,
We wholeheartedly
believe that you will represent the faculty you graduated from with honor. We
also know that you will always be aware of your role as an exemplary person for
society and that you will act accordingly. With this in mind, I wish you success
in both your studies and in the work and duties you undertake afterward.
Prof. Dr. Mehmet
ÖZKAN
Dean of BAÜN Faculty
of Theology