TEDx event

TEDxBilkent U

DateOctober 24, 2026
LocationÇankaya, Ankara, Turkey
FormatUniversity

This event is open to the public.

A spark is brief, but what it awakens can last a lifetime. Kıvılcım is the moment when a thought becomes impossible to ignore. It is when curiosity turns into a question, a question into courage, and courage into action. At TEDxBilkent U 2026, we bring together people whose ideas challenge the familiar, cross boundaries, and open new possibilities. Across science, art, culture, technology, and human experience, each voice on our stage carries the potential to ignite another. Transformation rarely announces itself. Sometimes, it begins with one idea shared at the right moment. This is that moment. This is Kıvılcım.

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

  • Namık Ekin

    World Record Holder & Judoka

    Namık Ekin is a holder of multiple Guinness World Records. Throughout his career, he has competed across numerous disciplines, including judo, swimming, gymnastics, weightlifting, and parachuting. Known for his extraordinary endurance and lifelong dedication to sport, Ekin continues to inspire generations through his discipline, resilience, and determination to challenge human limits.

  • Nükhet Duru

    Artist

    Nükhet Duru is one of the most influential and enduring voices in Turkish pop music, with a career spanning more than 50 years. She began her professional music career in the 1970s and is best known for timeless classics such as “Beni Benimle Bırak,” “Melankoli,” and “Ben Sana Vurgunum.” In addition to her music career, she has appeared in musicals, television productions, and films.

  • Özgür Günaydın

    Group CEO, Borusan Holding

    A graduate of METU Mechanical Engineering, Günaydın began his career at Borusan in 1995 as a Service Engineer. Throughout his career spanning over 30 years, he took on leadership roles across various countries and spearheaded the digital transformation of Borusan Cat. Having assumed the role of CEO at Borusan Cat in 2017, Günaydın stepped into his position as Borusan Group CEO as of April 2026.

  • Somer Sivrioğlu

    Chef

    Somer Sivrioğlu is an award-winning chef and restaurateur who represents Turkish cuisine on the international stage. A graduate of Bilkent University’s Department of Tourism and Hotel Management, Sivrioğlu spent many years working in Australia’s restaurant industry and founded Efendy in Sydney. In Türkiye, he has reached a wide audience as a judge on MasterChef Türkiye.

  • Yusuf Dikeç

    Olympic Silver Medalist & World Champion Sport Shooter

    Yusuf Dikeç is an Olympic medalist and one of Türkiye’s most accomplished sport shooters. A five-time Olympian with multiple World and European Championship titles, he won the silver medal alongside Şevval İlayda Tarhan in the 10-metre air pistol mixed team event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Dikeç also gained worldwide recognition for his calm demeanor and distinctive shooting stance, becoming one of the most iconic figures of the Games.

Organizing team

This event is open to the public.

October 24, 2026

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