Ilgaz Ökmener, Izmir Genius, Becomes Runner-Up in World Mathematics Olympiad

Shining in the Heart of Azerbaijan: Ilgaz's Success in Baku Ilgaz Ökmener, a talented student from the Bergama district of Izmir province, has once again made Turkey's name resonate in international arenas. This young genius, who studies in the sixth grade at Zübeyde Hanım Middle School and the Bergama Science and Art Center (BİLSEM), competed in the finals of the Turkic World Mathematical Olympiad (TIMO) held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, between July 2 and 6, 2026 [1]. By overcoming strong competitors from various countries, Ilgaz succeeded in winning the silver medal of this competition and reaching the rank of second in the world [2].

The Difficult Path to the Global Podium Achieving this great success was not accidental for Ilgaz. Before being sent to Baku, he participated in the preliminary stages held at the national level in Turkey and qualified for the world finals by earning a "Golden Success Certificate" [3]. In an interview with the media, Ilgaz stated that he worked day and night for months to reach this stage and was able to earn the points necessary to stand on the world's second-place podium by relying on mental analysis and problem-solving skills [1]. This competition, held to promote analytical and mathematical thinking among students from Turkic-speaking countries and other nations, is one of the most prestigious scientific events for youth.

Beyond Mathematics: An Artist on the Keys An interesting point about Ilgaz Ökmener is that his talent is not limited to the world of numbers. He began playing the piano at the age of 4 and has achieved international success in this field as well [2]. Ilgaz had previously succeeded in passing the fourth level of the Trinity College London exams and recently showed a brilliant performance in the Mozart Academy competitions [3]. This combination of mathematical genius and artistic flair has made him a role model for students his age in Izmir.

The Role of Family and Specialized Education Ilgaz's family, especially his father Selçuk Ökmener, who is himself a teacher of Persian and Turkish literature, played an important role in identifying and guiding his talent [1]. Additionally, the educational system of BİLSEM centers in Turkey, which focuses on identifying gifted students, provided a suitable platform for the growth of Ilgaz's abilities. His success in Baku is not only an honor for the city of Izmir but also a testament to the capabilities of the new generation of Turkish students in global scientific competitions, who can reach the top of the world's best with proper support [2].