A cooperation protocol focusing on education, healthcare, and social benefit has been signed between Bezmialem Vakıf University and Başakşehir Municipality. Serving as a strong example of collaboration between a local authority and a university, the protocol aims to implement multifaceted initiatives that support public health and high-quality education.
The protocol was signed with the participation of Başakşehir Mayor Yasin Kartoğlu, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Attorney Osman Develioğlu, Rector Prof. Dr. Adem Akçakaya, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Prof. Dr. Teoman Aydın, Continuing Education and Research Center Coordinator Ümmügülsüm Vural, as well as Başakşehir Municipality's Director of Human Resources and Training Adil Dayıoğlu, Director of Health Services Taner Bingöl, and Director of Social Services Aydın Sarıkuş.
Concrete Steps from Education to Healthcare
Following the signing of the protocol, the cooperation process was swiftly transformed into concrete actions. In this context, Expert Witness Training Programs for Başakşehir Municipality personnel were successfully conducted between July and August 2025 with the approval of the Expert Witness Department of the Ministry of Justice. The high level of satisfaction achieved during the training process laid the groundwork for further strengthening the cooperation between the parties.
Accordingly, a “Health and Education Workshop" was held on September 30, 2025, during which joint areas of action in education, healthcare, and social services were discussed. After the workshop, expertise-based working groups were established between the relevant units of the municipality and the university to carry out activities aimed at raising awareness in the fields of public health, education, social services, and social responsibility. As a result of these meetings, new areas of cooperation were identified and related protocols were put into effect.
Community-Oriented Practices
The initiatives implemented within the scope of the cooperation include:
- A protocol enabling Başakşehir Municipality employees and their relatives to benefit from Bezmialem Vakıf University Hospital services at discounted rates,
- The “From Foreman to Leader" training program carried out between the Continuing Education and Research Center and the Municipality's Human Resources unit,
- Awareness activities held at the municipal building within the scope of School-Age Communicable Diseases and Diabetes Awareness Week,
- Hearing screening activities for individuals aged 65 and over, to be conducted between January 20–26, 2026, by the Department of Audiology with the participation of academic staff and students at the Bizim Çınarlar Center.
Emphasis on Sustainable Social Impact
By reflecting its health-oriented academic expertise into society through cooperation with local governments, Bezmialem Vakıf University aims to continue producing initiatives that transfer knowledge to the field, make healthcare more accessible, and create sustainable social impact. The protocol signed with Başakşehir Municipality stands out as a significant example of the University's mission to serve society.
