Organized by Kırşehir Ahi Evran University under the supervision of the Kırşehir Governorship and with the contributions of the Provincial Police Department, Provincial Gendarmerie Command, Provincial Directorate of National Education, Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports, Provincial Directorate of Industry and Technology, and Provincial Directorate of Health, the 2nd Cacabey Science Festival began with high participation. The event was sponsored by PETLAS, MEPAŞ, American Life, Badem Pınarı, Özgirişim Group Enfes Bakliyat, and Tutku Gıda. The festival took place on May 27, 2025, at Kırşehir Cacabey Square and was attended by Kırşehir Governor Murat Sefa Demiryürek, Rector of KAEU Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil, Deputy Governors İsmail Çetinkaya and Alper Balcı, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Ali Güneş, Prof. Dr. Musa Özata, and Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Şimşek, Secretary General Dr. Hüseyin İlter, heads of public institutions, local administrators, academic and administrative staff, citizens, students, and members of the press.
Rector Karahocagil: "Yes, Science is very Important; but it is Never an End, Only a Means"
The opening of the 2nd Cacabey Science Festival began with a moment of silence and the Turkish National Anthem, followed by protocol speeches. The first opening speech was delivered by Rector of KAEU Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil, who emphasized that science lies at the foundation of societal development and the establishment of civilizations, and that it is the most influential force in the history of humanity. Rector Karahocagil stated that while science is extremely important, it is not an end in itself but rather a means to an end. He continued his speech as follows: "Scientific knowledge only becomes meaningful when it is transformed into a product for the benefit of society, that is, when it turns into an art, a craft, or a technology. Throughout human history, and especially in our current era, the role of science and technology in our lives is growing each day. Countries that produce science and transform this scientific knowledge into products and technology are turning those that merely consume it into virtual voluntary slaves of their own cultures and civilizations in every aspect. Therefore, the transformation of scientific knowledge into products must be related to aesthetics, a system of values, and virtues. Otherwise, science and technology disconnected from virtue, ethics, and morality have led, and continue to lead, to massacres and genocides, as tragically experienced in Hiroshima in the past and Gaza today."
Rector Karahocagil: “In the Footsteps of Ahi Tradition… We Must Raise the Ahis of This Era on the Axis of Science, Art, and Morality, and Bring Our Youth Together with Knowledge, Wisdom, and Insight”
Emphasizing that as a nation, we possess a civilizational heritage rooted in the Ahi-
Order, one that links science with professional ethics, transforms scientific knowledge into production for the benefit of society, and ultimately serves justice and peace for humanity, Rector of KAEU Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil underlined the responsibility of activating this legacy as its heirs. Stating that in the footsteps of Ahi-Order, we must cultivate the Ahis of our time on the foundation of science, art, and morality, and that we must bring young people into contact with knowledge, wisdom, and insight, Rector Karahocagil continued his speech as follows: "For this, we must listen to the timeless wisdom of Ahi Evran-ı Veli, who said, ‘Those who come to us with patience and truth is from us, and whoever surpasses us with wisdom and morality is beyond us,’ and of Yunus Emre, who said, ‘Knowledge should mean a full grasp of knowledge: Knowledge means to know yourself, heart and soul. If you have failed to understand yourself, Then all of your reading has missed its call. (English version of the verse by Namık Kemal Zeybek)"
Rector Karahocagil: “New Ibn Sinas, Al-Farabis, Ali Qushjis, Piri Reises, and Aziz Sancars Must—and Will—Emerge from Kırşehir”
Continuing his speech, Rector of KAEU Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil shared insights about the Cacabey Science Festival. He emphasized that through this event, they aim not only to introduce Cacabey—the founder of the world’s first astronomy center in Kırşehir—to the global community, but also to support Turkiye’s recent advancements in science and technology by aligning them with Ahi values and skills. He noted their goal is to inspire young people to follow in the footsteps of the Ahi tradition and engage in science, art, and ethics through research, innovation, and production. Highlighting the importance of raising new Ibn Sinas, Al-Farabis, Ali Qushjis, Piri Reises, and Aziz Sancars from Kırşehir, Rector Karahocagil stated that they will continue organizing science festivals, project fairs, congresses, and academic gatherings to achieve this vision. Concluding his speech, Rector Prof. Dr. Karahocagil shared the exciting news that next year, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Kırşehir Ahi Evran University, they will host both the 3rd Cacabey Science Festival and the Anatolian Universities Association Project Fair, with participation from 20 member universities, right in Kırşehir. He also extended his heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to organizing the festival.
Governor Murat Sefa Demiryürek: “Kırşehir, a Vital Part of Civilization, Has Become Not Only a Geographic Center—But Also the Heart of Knowledge, Wisdom, and Science”
Following the speech by Rector of KAEU Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil, Governor of Kırşehir, Murat Sefa Demiryürek, addressed the audience. In his remarks, Governor Demiryürek emphasized that science, from the very beginning of human existence, has been the result of humanity’s quest to understand, interpret, and influence its environment. He noted that this pursuit has led to the birth and advancement of civilizations, ultimately shaping today’s modern world. From the invention of the wheel to today’s artificial intelligence technologies, from space exploration to revolutionary breakthroughs in medicine, scientific thought and method have been the driving force behind every human achievement, said Governor Demiryürek. He continued: "Nations that adopt science as their guide make progress in every field, whereas societies that stray from science are doomed to fall behind. Science not only produces knowledge—it also simplifies life and makes the world a more livable place. Anatolia, the land we call home, is the bearer of an ancient civilization steeped in science. A key part of that civilization, Kırşehir, has become not only a geographic center but also the heart of knowledge, wisdom, and science." He emphasized that Cacabey, who holds a very special place among the city’s spiritual legacies, inscribed his name in golden letters in the scientific history of Anatolia. Governor Demiryürek explained that Cacabey founded the madrasa that bears his name in Kırşehir and transformed it into an astronomy center, adding that through his contributions, Kırşehir became not only a hub of culture and morality, but also a city of science. He highlighted that Cacabey not only supported scientific research but also made his own observations and contributed significantly to the field of astronomy, and that this legacy holds a highly esteemed place in the history of science—both in Anatolia and globally. In closing, Governor Demiryürek noted that the festival would be filled with rich events and activities, saying: "This event will not only raise scientific awareness; it will also help nurture young inventors and guide the dreams of children and youth who are passionate about science." He extended his gratitude to all who contributed to such an important event and expressed his hope that the Cacabey Science Festival would bring benefits to both Kırşehir and our country.
Following the protocol speeches, the Provincial Directorate of National Education Children's Choir took the stage and performed a selection of children's songs. Afterward, the protocol members visited each of the festival booths, received information from the booth representatives, and engaged in brief conversations with them. The 2nd Cacabey Science Festival, which will continue for two days, will feature scientific and booth-based activities, workshops, and concerts.
