Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University (ALKU) hosted the esteemed academic and literary figure Prof. Dr. Nurullah Genç at the “Success Requires Sacrifice!” conference, where he shared inspiring stories and real-life experiences about the costs behind great achievements.
ALKU continues to bring accomplished academicians and experienced professionals together with its students through various programs. Most recently, Prof. Dr. Nurullah Genç, a distinguished name in Turkish literature and academia, met with his audience in a conference where he explored the sacrifices behind every major success. The event, organized by the Geçerken Student Community under the ALKU Health, Culture, and Sports Department, took place at the Alev Alatlı Conference Hall in the Rectorate Building. The conference was attended by ALKU Rector Prof. Dr. Kenan Ahmet Türkdoğan, Alanya Deputy Mayor Abdullah Akbaş, Alanya Municipality Council Member İrem Yunusoğlu, Alanya District Mufti Dr. İhsan İlhan, ALKU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Atıf Bayramoğlu and Prof. Dr. Mehmet Kılıç, General Secretary Onur Ocakdan, deans, vocational school directors, academicians, administrative staff, and students.
RECTOR TÜRKDOĞAN: “WE ARE HONORED TO HOST OUR ESTEEMED PROFESSOR”
Rector Türkdoğan began his speech by offering his condolences for those who lost their lives in the February 6 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, wishing patience and strength to the survivors. He emphasized that such tragedies could be overcome more quickly when people stand together. Highlighting the significance of Prof. Dr. Nurullah Genç’s works and life experiences, Türkdoğan referenced Genç’s poem “Take Me to Your Black Eyes,” recalling that he had read it 25 years ago and had even visited Erzurum Station, where the poem was inspired. He expressed his honor in welcoming Prof. Dr. Genç and hoped that attendees would enjoy an enriching session filled with poetry and conversation.
PROF. DR. GENÇ: “THERE IS NO VALUE WITHOUT SACRIFICE”
Following the opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Nurullah Genç expressed his appreciation for being in Alanya, describing it as “the heart of history,” and emphasized the importance of understanding Alanya and Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat’s legacy. He also commemorated the victims of the February 6 earthquakes before delving into the central theme of his speech: the necessity of sacrifice for success. Sharing personal anecdotes and family stories, Prof. Dr. Genç stressed that hardship is essential for success. He stated, “Success is not achieved easily. The path to success is rarely smooth and effortless. That’s why, when we embark on a journey, we must be prepared to struggle. In my own life, I endured many hardships to reach success. Anything gained without sacrifice holds little value. If you do not make sacrifices for something, you are unlikely to appreciate its worth. Our ancestors paid a great price for this homeland. Likewise, if you look at successful individuals, you will see that they have all endured challenges.” Prof. Dr. Genç’s speech, delivered to a large and attentive audience, was met with great interest. At the end of the conference, Rector Türkdoğan presented him with a gift and a certificate of appreciation. Following the event, Prof. Dr. Genç met with his readers and signed their books.
