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February 6, 2026 - GTU Office of Press and Public Relations
GTU keeps alive the memory of teachers lost in the earthquake through a memorial garden established in Hatay.
In the devastating earthquake that deeply affected Türkiye, 234 teachers lost their lives in the Antakya district of Hatay alone. To honor the memory of this great loss and leave a lasting mark on the lands of Hatay, a meaningful initiative has been carried out. A “Memorial Olive Grove” consisting of 300 olive saplings has been established in memory of the educators who lost their lives.
This special initiative was implemented on the agricultural land of Hatay Saadet Yusuf Mıstıkoğlu Agricultural and Vocational High School through the collaboration of the Gebze Technical University (GTU) Social Impact Coordination Office and the school. The olive tree was selected as the central symbol of the project due to its centuries-long lifespan and its representation of peace, patience, and hope.
Looking at the prominent features of the grove, the project is expected to become a symbol of continuity as the saplings begin to bear fruit in approximately two years. Students of the Agricultural High School will directly contribute to the cultivation process, from maintenance to harvesting, within their educational activities, ensuring that the memory lives on through education. Thus, the grove will serve not only as a memorial but also as a symbol of resilience, regeneration, and hope for the future.
Academic and Local Solidarity The project was coordinated by Assoc. Prof. Fatma Karaoğlu-Ceyhan, a faculty member at Gebze Technical University. With the contributions of Hatay-based teacher Medine Samsum and Kemal Albayrak, Principal of Saadet Yusuf Mıstıkoğlu Agricultural and Vocational High School, the initiative became a strong example of solidarity.
Completed on the anniversary of the earthquake, this meaningful grove connects the memory of the teachers who lost their lives on February 6, 2023, with nature, while building a powerful bridge to the future through education and solidarity.
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