Şahin Biba Attends Graduation Ceremony of Young Architects in Bursa

Reconnecting with the University; Deputy Mayor as a Role Model In a grand ceremony held at the Prof. Dr. Mete Cengiz Cultural Center, Şahin Biba, Deputy Mayor of Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, joined the graduates of the Faculty of Architecture at Uludağ University (BUÜ) [1]. This appearance held symbolic and personal significance for Biba, as he graduated from the same faculty in 2006 and now shares his experiences with the new generation as a senior urban management official [2]. Addressing the students, he stated that seeing the passion in their eyes reminded him of the same emotions he experienced in those very hallways years ago.

Commitment to Ethics and Remembrance of Earthquake Victims Biba began his speech by paying tribute to the students and colleagues who lost their lives in the devastating February 6 earthquake. Offering his condolences once again to their families, he emphasized that the responsibility of architects regarding human safety and life is more vital than ever [3]. He noted that an architect's greatest success lies not in building flashy structures, but in practicing their profession with conscience, ethics, and commitment to safety standards [1].

Architecture as a Narrative of Human Lives In his technical and professional advice, the Deputy Mayor of Bursa described architecture as an art that gives meaning to land and space. He emphasized: "Every project you draw is the beginning of a new story in human lives" [2]. Biba urged young architects not to focus solely on the physical aspects of a building but to prioritize children's voices, neighborhood relations, and the quality of life for citizens. He identified the "human-centric" approach as the key to success in modern urban planning [3].

A Great Responsibility to Build More Beautiful Cities At the end of the ceremony, which included the presentation of diplomas and the traditional cap-tossing ritual, Şahin Biba emphasized the Bursa Municipality's support for young talent. He stated that for cities to become more beautiful, livable, and identity-driven places, they need the fresh and creative vision of these graduates [1]. He asked the youth never to stop learning despite rapid technological changes and to remain loyal to the historical and cultural identity of Bursa so that the city's heritage is preserved for future generations [2].