The spatial graphic applications, carried out within the scope of the Scientific Research Project (BAP) conducted by the Graphic Design Department of the Fethi Toker Faculty of Fine Arts and Design at Karabük University in Safranbolu, were officially opened with a ceremony. As one of the finest examples of university-city integration and social contribution mission, the project transformed the school walls into inspiring aesthetic learning spaces.
The “Walls Illuminated by Art in Educational Spaces: Spatial Graphic Applications Workshop,” implemented by the Graphic Design Department of Karabük University Safranbolu Fethi Toker Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, was successfully completed. Within the scope of the Scientific Research Project (BAP), led by Dr. Mustafa Kocalan, the walls of Kardemir Girls' Anatolian Imam Hatip High School were adorned with aesthetically pleasing and meaningful artistic works. Following the workshop, which started on February 16-17, 2026, a widely attended opening ceremony was held at the school for the completed wall painting applications. The opening ceremony was attended by Karabük University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. The event was attended by İsmail Rakıp Karaş, Safranbolu Fethi Toker Faculty of Fine Arts and Design Dean Prof. Dr. Suat Altun, Provincial Director of National Education Nevzat Akbaş, Provincial National Education Branch Managers Erol Doymuş and Metin Aktaş, as well as numerous academics, teachers, and students.
The Key to Every Good Deed: "In the Name of Allah" Woven Stitch by Stitch on the Walls
The opening speech given by the teacher who presented the project, focusing on its spiritual and philosophical background, was highly appreciated. The speech emphasized the profound meaning of the phrase "Bismillah," which is the essence of existence and the key to every good deed, stating: "Bismillah symbolizes the servant remembering their own helplessness, seeking refuge in boundless divine mercy, and taking every step in the name of the Creator, the possessor of infinite compassion. Saying 'Bismillah' at each page as one turns the pages of life is to fill that page with love and hope. Bismillah is the most beautiful prayer whispered to avoid getting lost in the complexities of life and losing one's way." It was stated that the designs were shaped in accordance with this deep philosophy, in line with the school's identity and educational approach.
High School and University Students Produced Together
In the project, which included Dr. Assoc. Prof. Pınar Atlı Danapınar, Dr. Assoc. Prof. Gözde Zengin, Lecturer Hasan Yılmaz, Research Assistant Hilal Sansar, Research Assistant Zübeyde Uzun, and Teacher Halime Çınar as researchers from the academic staff; University and high school students worked side-by-side. Graphic Design Department students Efe Kılıçarslan, Kaan Şirin, Songül Karabacak, Kübra Küplü, Ömer Faruk Günergök, Selin Keçeci, and İmran Canbaz mentored 20 high school students at Kardemir Girls' Anatolian Imam Hatip High School, experiencing the application process together.
The Transformative Power of Art in the Educational Environment
Officials stated that the project is a powerful model showing that education is not limited to theoretical knowledge in classrooms; they emphasized that the space, colors, and images in which the student is located are also part of the learning process. Through the work carried out within the framework of spatial graphics, one of the working areas of graphic design, the aim was to transform high school students from simply viewers of a work of art into active participants in its production process. School walls were transformed from mere physical surfaces into sources of inspiration that increased awareness and a sense of belonging for the students. A Strong "Social Contribution" Model
This project, a concrete and meaningful reflection of Karabük University's understanding of social contribution, strengthened the ties between the university and other educational institutions. University students had the opportunity to gain experience in artistic responsibility projects by transforming their professional knowledge and skills into social benefit. The opening ceremony concluded with thanks to the faculty members and students of the Graphic Design Department of Safranbolu Fethi Toker Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, the administration of Kardemir Girls' Anatolian Imam Hatip High School, and all stakeholders who contributed to the realization of the project, and with wishes for the project to be beneficial for the university and the city.