Honorary Doctorate for Minister Murat Kurum at Selçuk University
Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum visited Selçuk University, from which he graduated. Minister Kurum, who received great interest from students, was presented with an honorary doctorate degree by Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Yılmaz.
Speaking at the opening of the Honorary Doctorate Presentation Ceremony held at the Sultan Alparslan Cultural Centre, Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Yılmaz said, “The Türkiye Century vision shaped under the leadership of our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is not the vision of today, but a reflection of the strong belief in the Türkiye of tomorrow. As Selçuk University, we consider it a fundamental responsibility to implement the scientific, technological, and social initiatives required by this vision.”
Emphasizing that Minister Kurum is one of the key actors of this vision, Yılmaz stated, “He is the architect of critical transformations shaping Türkiye’s future through his determination, hard work, and strategic perspective. His leadership in areas such as urban transformation, environmental awareness, and disaster preparedness serves as a source of inspiration for our university. The determination, humility, and vision of our esteemed Minister present a strong example for our graduates and students.”
Rector Yılmaz continued, “The basis of the honorary doctorate we will present to our Minister lies in the determination to transform our cities— under the leadership of our President—into more resilient, environmentally conscious, and prosperous living spaces, and in leading projects that ensure our citizens’ access to housing in the most suitable way.” At the ceremony, Konya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Uğur İbrahim Altay said, “Selçuk University is precious to us because we were students in these halls in the past. We learned invaluable knowledge from esteemed professors. Selçuk University guided us. Today is a very meaningful day for our Minister. I know he has received honorary degrees from other universities, but receiving an honorary doctorate from his alma mater is exceptionally valuable. I sincerely thank our Rector and Senate for this. As the foundation of his education at Selçuk University, our Minister performs exemplary work across all 81 provinces in building resilient cities. As a graduate of Selçuk University, he represents all of us in the best way.”
Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum began his speech by saying, “It is a great honour for me to be with you on this very meaningful and special day.” He emphasized that universities are distinguished institutions that carry the heritage of the cities where they are established into the future. Selçuk University has fully embraced the spirit of Konya, the capital of the Seljuks, and has become one of the most respected centres of knowledge and wisdom in our country. Konya represents both the state and scholarship, both statesmen and scholars. During my university years and throughout every task I have undertaken since then, the experience of this city and the awareness instilled by this school have always guided me. I will proudly, honourably, and respectfully carry the doctoral title presented by our university. I will always strive to represent in the best way the effort our professors and our city have invested in us, as if carrying a medal on my chest. I thank Selçuk University for conferring this special title upon me.”
Minister Kurum also stated that, “On the path of providing new homes for millions of earthquake survivors and serving this beautiful nation of ours, I extend my gratitude to our esteemed professors who trained us. Selçuk University has combined practice with technique; it is one of the most distinguished universities in our country. I have always felt pride and honour in being a graduate of this institution. We are working with the goal of strong cities and a powerful Türkiye. We are progressing decisively toward this goal. We strive to achieve this through urban transformation and social housing projects. Since 2002, through our TOKİ Presidency, we have completed and delivered 1 million 750 thousand social housing units, enabling more than 5 million low income citizens to become homeowners and to settle into their new homes.”
Following the speeches, Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Yılmaz presented the honorary doctorate degree to Minister Murat Kurum. The Honorary Doctorate Presentation Ceremony for Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum concluded with a group photo. After the ceremony, Minister Kurum was met with great enthusiasm by students, took selfies with them, and posed for souvenir photographs.
