Our previous Institute President Prof. Dr. Hayati Develi honored the farewell event held for the end of his term of office. The event took place on 21 January with attendance of all Yunus Emre Enstitüsü staff in Ankara.

Prof. Dr. Hayati Develi addressed the personnel as follows in the event held in his honor:

“I am a university professor; taking office in such an important state institution which carries out international operations for three years, has earned me unparalleled experience. I believe this means a lot to all of us and such an operation is only possible through teamwork; just like a machine with all gears connected to one another. I sincerely thank all my colleagues I worked together with throughout three years.

“I am sure there are those who supported me, give your blessings and I give you my blessings. I am passing the flag. The horse rider must hand over the flag before the horse stops, he cannot delay it. This is what is happening right now. I wish you will continue your efforts with the same determination, good will and dedication in Yunus Emre Enstitüsü, a prominent state project in recent years.

“I witnessed that all of you voluntarily devoted all your time to our institution with good will, and the willingness of dervishes, and I wish you to continue with the same passion and enthusiasm. All the best and all the luck, live long. I thank all of you.”

Yunus Emre Enstitüsü President Prof. Dr. Şeref Ateş who took over the office, began his speech by thanking Prof. Dr. Develi. Ateş said that the foundation was established six years ago and he met with Develi two and a half years ago, and he underlined that “they have common spiritual goals”. Yunus Emre Enstitüsü President marked that Develi is a man who loves his country and that is why he worked day and night. He wished for Develi's know-how, experience and operations to guide them also in the future and presented Develi with a gift on behalf of Yunus Emre Enstitüsü.