What Happened to Me...

I started my duty as the dean of the Faculty of Theology at Marmara University in 1982. When I transferred from my duty at Istanbul University to the Faculty of Theology at Marmara University, there were many things waiting for me. Some important things were waiting for me, such as improving the physical conditions of the faculty in Bağlarbaşı, increasing the academic level of the professors, making the administrative staff more qualified and increasing the number of successful students. During my approximately fourteen-year duty at the faculty, I had to suspend my personal projects, but my scientific and academic activities continued. I think I was able to successfully continue with my articles, books, translations and participation in some national and international conferences as a presentation or observer. When I took office, I thought, "I should do it for just one term!" But Orhan Oğuz Hoca guided me to continue this duty. I have to say that this is an achievement of the late Orhan Oğuz Hoca; he really convinced me and supported me in my work. We should remember his unforgettable contributions in developing the social and academic structure of the faculty. I remember when I last wanted to leave: "Look Salih, you are one of the deans I worked most closely with. I started as the rector and you as the dean. We came together, we will go together." I kept quiet and continued my duties at the faculty. I hope I have served my faculty well together with my valuable academic staff and students.