Science, health, and art came together at the International Congress at MAKÜ

Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) hosted an important organization between May 29-31, 2025. The 1st International Science, Health, and Art Congress, held at Prof. Dr. İlhan Varank Library, witnessed a great gathering with the participation of academics, health professionals, and artists from both domestic and international locations.

In the opening speech of the congress, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nurten Terkeş emphasized the fundamental and integrative importance of science, health, and art for humanity. Terkeş stated that these fields not only produce knowledge but also reveal the power of common sense and interdisciplinary collaborations, saying, “This congress will lay the groundwork for new collaborations, inspiring discussions, and lasting friendships.”

Congress President Prof. Dr. Mehmet Zeki Yıldırım, in his speech, drew attention to the civilization leaps created by technological and cultural transformations in human history, indicating that the digital transformation experienced today is a similar breaking point. Yıldırım noted that interdisciplinary approaches increase the power to produce solutions to problems and said, “In the future, many issues will become solvable like the resolution of diseases such as polio or measles in the past.”

MAKÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar also emphasized the importance of the convergence of science with artistic and ethical dimensions in his speech, highlighting the necessity of an education that nourishes not only the mind but also the heart. Dalgar said, “Science can only yield beneficial results for humanity when combined with art,” and underlined that scientists who left a mark throughout history were also intertwined with art.

In the first session of the congress, under the chairmanship of Prof. Dr. İskender Gülle, important presentations were made under the title ‘From Life to Art: Interdisciplinary Interpretation of Biological Themes’. Prof. Dr. Kubilay Aktulum addressed the topic ‘Conceptual Field of Interdisciplinarity’, while Prof. Dr. İsmail Karaca drew attention with his presentation titled ‘Biological Inspirations in Art’.

In the second session, the theme ‘Calm, Strong, Safe: The Power of Midwifery in Positive Birth Experiences’ was addressed. In the session chaired by Prof. Dr. M. Zeki Yıldırım and Dr. Lecturer Endam Çetinkaya Ak; Prof. Dr. Nazan Karahan discussed ‘The Institutional Power of Midwifery’, Prof. Dr. Songül Aktaş ‘The Holistic Importance of the Hands, Heart, and Mind of the Midwife in the Birth Process’, and Dr. Lecturer Sabriye Uçan Yamaç addressed ‘The Impact of Midwifery Services on Birth Outcomes in Rural Areas’.

During the three-day congress, a total of 97 presentations were made in 22 sessions. The event, which brought together experts from different disciplines, also saw great interest in exhibitions and workshops.

The congress, which brought together the fields of science, health, and art, inspired participants with its structure that encourages interdisciplinary thinking, while also paving the way for international cooperation.