Journey back to 1926 when Gazi University was just a seed. Founded by Mustafa Kemal Atat\u00fcrk Gazi University started as the Gazi Education Institute. It has grown into a large comprehensive institution. Now it boasts 21 faculties, and many schools and research centers.
Now here we are at the Faculty of Engineering. It is a vital part of this academic giant. The Gazi University Engineering Faculty has a rich history. It began providing engineering education between 1966 and 1973. This was under institutions like Zafer, Yukselis, and Ankara Engineering and Architecture Colleges.
Between 1973 and 1982 the department was part of Ankara State Academy of Engineering and Architecture. It then became part of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture from 1982 to 2009. The Faculty of Engineering and Architecture then became Gazi University Engineering Faculty.
Did you know that in 1992 the faculty started a secondary evening program? Students could attend classes after their daytime commitments. In 1993 Gazi University Engineering Faculty began offering partial English instruction. This was for both undergraduate programs.
In 1983 the Gazi University Institute of Science was founded. Graduate programs in Mechanical Engineering were then offered. These included Master of Science and Philosophy of Doctorate degrees.
In 2014, the secondary undergraduate program closed. But in 2015, the faculty launched 100% English undergraduate and graduate programs. This was to cater to a global audience. The Civil Engineering Department’s history stretches back to the mid-1960s. Private engineering schools merged to form this department.
Gazi University Civil Engineering Department became part of Gazi University in 1982. The department aims to equip students with fundamental knowledge. It also wants to develop their creative thinking. They should acquire research, design, and application skills. Graduates are expected to be critical thinkers. They should improve themselves, analyze situations and be beneficial to their country.
In 2002, the Civil Engineering Department began a systematic accreditation process. The Engineering Education Programs Evaluation and Accreditation Association M\u00dcDEK accredited the department. It received the EUR-ACE. This is a mark of quality for European engineering programs.
Gazi University Civil Engineering Department offers three undergraduate programs. There is a partial English program, a full English program, and a joint program with Montana State University. In the partial English program, at least 30% of courses are in English. The other two programs are entirely in English.
In the joint program, students spend their first semester at Gazi University. They then spend the second semester in the USA. The first and third years are at Gazi University. The second and fourth years are in the USA.
The Civil Engineering Department is located on Gazi University’s Maltepe campus. It has laboratories for building mechanics, materials, transportation, soil mechanics, geology, rock mechanics, hydraulics, computers, physics, and chemistry. These labs support undergraduate education through experimental studies.
Many projects are supported by TUBITAK, Gazi University, and other institutions. These projects are conducted at the graduate level. Graduates are involved in planning, design, and construction. They work in both public and private sectors. They work in Turkey and abroad. The Gazi University Civil Engineering Department strives to train qualified civil engineers. They should take responsibility and listen to their conscience.
Gazi University’s motto is Gazili olmak ayr\u0131cal\u0131kt\u0131r. This means Being a member of Gazi is a privilege. As we stand here let us appreciate the legacy and ongoing contributions of this faculty. It shapes the future of engineering in Turkey and beyond.