The Golden Palm Award Ceremony, organized to reinforce the friendship between Turkey and Azerbaijan, was held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) was chosen as the "University of the Year" at the ceremony where the best of the year from the art, media and business worlds were announced. Abdülkadir Gayretli, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of IGU, was awarded the “Businessperson of the Year”.

“The historical friendship of Türkiye and Azerbaijan has a very strong bond”

Abdülkadir Gayretli, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of IGU, took the stage twice to receive both the "University of the Year" and the "Businessperson of the Year" award. Gayretli stated the following in his speech: “Turkey ranks high among the countries preferred by Azerbaijani students. The historical friendship of Türkiye and Azerbaijan has a very strong bond. Scientific research and projects, student and academician exchange programs and collaborations between Azerbaijani universities and IGU are on our agenda. In our university, which continues to progress with the vision of "World University", we adopt an understanding that is suitable for the age, developing and producing with the education quality offered at global standards. We are ranked 16th in the world and 1st in Turkey in the "Quality Education" category in the 2022 rating of Times Higher Education (THE), one of the most respected higher education rating institutions in the world. We continue our efforts to leave a better world for future generations and to achieve lasting success. Internationalization is very significant to us. Istanbul Gelisim University's 65 programs are internationally accredited. Our students receive diplomas with international validity. We cooperate internationally to produce projects that will add value to our country. We are open to all kinds of academic and scientific projects. We have a strong cultural bond with Azerbaijan. We will further strengthen it as well.”