42 Türkiye, the Peer-to-Peer Learning Model-Based Coding School, Graduates Its First Cohort
Future Technology Leaders Trained at 42 Türkiye Software Schools Graduate
The graduation ceremony of 42 Türkiye was held with the participation of Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır. The 42 Türkiye Software Schools, operating under the auspices of the Ministry of Industry and Technology and implemented by Bilişim Vadisi, have produced their first graduates. More than 400 graduates, who successfully completed the project-based and peer-to-peer learning model, are contributing to Türkiye’s qualified workforce in software and to the National Technology Initiative vision.
The graduation ceremony of 42 Türkiye Software Schools, launched to strengthen Türkiye’s qualified human resources in software, was held with strong participation at the Bilişim Vadisi Kocaeli campus. Students who completed their education at 42 Istanbul and 42 Kocaeli campuses celebrated their graduation at the ceremony.
Standing out with its completely free, project-based and peer-to-peer learning model, 42 Türkiye prepares its students not only with technical knowledge but also with problem-solving skills, teamwork, self-discipline, and a production-oriented mindset. This first graduation ceremony marked a significant milestone where the tangible outcomes of this model became visible.
Within the program, graduation certificates were presented to the students, while the projects developed by the students and the contributions of the education model to the technology ecosystem were shared with participants. In addition to representatives from the public and private sectors and the technology world, families of the students also attended the ceremony, bringing together a wide range of stakeholders around 42 Türkiye’s innovative approach.
Technology companies seeking to access 42 Türkiye’s talent pool also set up booths at the event and met with students and graduates.
Minister Kacır Reviewed Students’ Software Projects and Startup Ideas
Prior to the program, Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır visited the foyer area and reviewed the software projects and startup ideas developed by 42 Türkiye students. The exhibition area, where students transformed the technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and production-oriented mindset they gained during their education into tangible projects, demonstrated the real-world impact of the 42 Türkiye model.
The works showcased in the foyer highlighted that 42 Türkiye is not only a model that teaches software but also an approach that encourages students to produce, develop solutions, and think entrepreneurially.
Education Model and Student Achievements Took Center Stage
The program began with opening speeches by Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Bilişim Vadisi CEO Erkam Tüzgen, Hepsiburada CTO Alexey Shevenkov, 42 Türkiye Director Osman Melih Gökçe, and 42 Türkiye graduate Ömer Yumuşak.
During the ceremony, certificates valid across the European Union were presented to students. Ömer Yumuşak, the first 42 Türkiye student entitled to receive a bachelor’s degree equivalency diploma recognized within the European Union, was presented his certificate by Mehmet Fatih Kacır.
As part of the program, plaques of appreciation were presented to private sector representatives, non-governmental organizations, and public stakeholders who have contributed to the development of 42 Türkiye since its establishment. The ceremony concluded with a group photo of all participants and the graduates’ enthusiastic cap toss.
42 Türkiye: A Strategic Structure for Qualified Technology Talent
In his speech, Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır emphasized that with 42 Türkiye, they aim to introduce an innovative software education model to the country—one that goes beyond traditional education patterns, is project-based and practice-oriented, and is built on peer learning:
“Here, there is a strong talent pool ready to engage with the business world—individuals who can think analytically, solve problems, and internalize a production-oriented mindset. This structure plays a strategic role in directly addressing our country’s need for software developers and technology talent. I believe our graduates will advance Türkiye’s global competitiveness through the technologies they develop, the startups they establish, and the innovative solutions they deliver.”
We Are Building Not Only Technology but Also a Belief
In his speech, Bilişim Vadisi CEO Erkam Tüzgen highlighted that Bilişim Vadisi is not only an ecosystem that supports technology startups but also a strategic structure that directly contributes to the development of qualified human capital as the implementer of 42 Türkiye Software Schools:
“42 Türkiye graduates represent a new generation that stands out not only with technical competencies but also with a culture of collaboration and problem-solving skills. As Bilişim Vadisi, with our strong ecosystem extending from Kocaeli to Izmir, from Istanbul to Baku, we create a launchpad for technology startups aiming to expand from Türkiye to global markets. While bringing to life one of the world’s largest entrepreneurship centers with Terminal Istanbul, we are also building a belief that says ‘we can do it.’ We believe that technology emerging from these lands will develop with an understanding that adds value to humanity, and we see 42 Türkiye graduates as the strongest representatives of this vision.”
Qualified Technology Talent Is Emerging
42 Türkiye Director Osman Melih Gökçe emphasized the program’s approach in his speech:
“Most of our graduates took their first steps into the world of software thanks to the innovative model offered by our school. 42 Türkiye not only provides a different education model but also acts as a stronghold of equal opportunity in software by opening its doors to every young person with talent. In today’s sector, knowing how to code alone is not enough; there is a need for minds that can learn quickly and produce solutions. Our graduates have not only learned programming languages but also experienced teamwork, perseverance, and adaptability.”
An Education Model That Meets Industry Expectations
As part of its strong collaboration with 42 Türkiye, Hepsiburada CTO Alexey Shevenkov emphasized that the education model equips students with the competencies required by the business world:
“As Hepsiburada, we have approached our collaboration with 42 Türkiye with strong belief from the very beginning. Our goal was clear: to create opportunities that unlock young people’s potential, boost their courage, and support them in turning their dreams into reality. We shared Hepsiburada’s technology expertise with 42 Türkiye students.”
A Symbolic Gift from Students to Minister Kacır
As part of the program, a special gift designed by 42 Türkiye students was presented to Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır by Bilişim Vadisi CEO Erkam Tüzgen.
The design won first place among 58 campuses in 32 countries in a global design competition within the 42 Network. The selected gift carries a meaningful symbolism: a towel. In The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, a towel represents preparedness, a spirit of exploration, and the courage to continue the journey.
The 42 Türkiye graduation ceremony stood out as a multi-dimensional gathering where student achievements were made visible, the practical impact of the education model was shared, and public and private sector representatives came together. The program reflects a strong manifestation of Türkiye’s vision for a technology-driven workforce.
