Istanbul Gedik University

Istanbul Gedik University was founded in 1994 as a part of the Gedik Education Foundation (GEF), which was established by Gedik Holding to support the development of welding technology in Turkey. The foundation has a long history of supporting education, with over 250,000 students helped through its various programs. The university itself is an extension of this educational mission, aiming to provide students with the confidence and skills for their chosen careers. The Gedik Education and Social Assistance Foundation (GEV) was established by Gedik Holding on September 7, 1994, to contribute to national education and the development of welding technology in Türkiye. GEV considers all activities and initiatives in these areas to be its social responsibility. Since its inception, the Foundation has collaborated with the Ministry of National Education, higher education institutions, private sector organizations, and the Foundation on a multifaceted basis. GEV has successfully implemented numerous projects, including schools, dormitories, vocational training centers, and educational institutions serving the disabled. The Foundation has received Certificates of Appreciation and Recognition from various institutions and organizations for the various aid programs it has provided in line with its objectives. These include Certificates of Appreciation from the Ministry of National Education of the Republic of Turkey and a Plaque and Certificate of Gratitude awarded by the Presidency on December 23, 1999. GEV organized the "International Welding Technology '96" Symposium in Istanbul on May 15-17, 1996. Welder Development Seminars, previously offered by companies owned by the Foundation's founders, have been held periodically since 1995 with GEV's contributions. The Foundation provides theoretical and practical training in welding technologies to employees of private sector organizations and provided free training to 32,500 individuals between 1994 and 2009. Since 2008, the Foundation has been the responsible member of the Paris-based IIW (International Institute of Welding) in Turkey. Since March 2009, GEV has also been organizing international diploma and certificate programs affiliated with IIW, which are valid all over the world.