On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, a ceremony was held at the Embassy of Italy in Ankara to mark the awarding of the honor of “Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia – Chivalry Order of the Star of Italy.” The honor was conferred by the President of the Italian Republic to Rector Kürşat Aydoğan, in recognition of his contributions to strengthening academic, cultural and educational ties between Türkiye and Italy.
In his address, H.E. Giorgio Marrapodi, Ambassador of Italy to Türkiye, highlighted the strong ties that have developed between Bilkent University and Italy during Professor Aydoğan’s tenure. “During Professor Kürşat Aydoğan’s tenure, Bilkent University significantly strengthened its collaboration with Italy. Our country has been promoted through language, art and cultural initiatives, and the educational and academic exchanges have been increased. One of the most prestigious universities in Türkiye—with a particular focus on the advanced fields of engineering and innovation—Bilkent University today represents global excellence as well as acts as a magnet for the country’s best minds. The ongoing exchanges with Italy, from Erasmus students to academics, supported by Professor Aydoğan, have contributed to strengthening Bilkent’s position in the education environment,” he emphasized.
Rector Aydoğan expressed gratitude for the honor: “It is with profound gratitude and humility that I accept the Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia (Chivalry Order of the Star of Italy). To be recognized with such a distinction is an immense personal honor, but it is also a recognition of the institution I serve, Bilkent University, and the bridges of knowledge, dialogue and friendship we have built between our two countries. At Bilkent University, we host Italian students and send our own to Italy through exchange programs. Currently, we are hosting 11 Italian students on our campus. Our faculty continue to deepen academic collaborations with their Italian counterparts. I should also mention that there are four faculty members at Bilkent who are citizens of Italy.
I accept this honor, then, not for myself alone, but on behalf of my colleagues, our teachers, our researchers and above all, our students—past, present and future. They are the ones who make this bridge between our countries strong and vibrant. I extend my deepest thanks to the President of the Italian Republic, to His Excellency the Ambassador and to all who have supported this recognition.”
