With half a century of experience in journalism, an endless love for education, and a spirit that never tires of learning, he is not merely a media representative, but also a true school of life.
This veteran journalist, a Turkish citizen, has been serving society with the power of his pen for over 50 years. However, what distinguishes him from others is not only his professional activity, but also the fact that he has studied at a total of 12 universities to date and continues to study, which makes him an exemplary figure due to his dedication to education.
In this interview, you will hear his life story, the reasons for his endless interest in education, and the advice he gives to young people, and you will once again understand that age is never an obstacle to learning.
AzEdu.az Education Portal interviewed Ahmet Coşkunaydın.
We present that interview:
- Mr. Ahmet, we would very much like to introduce you more closely to our readers. Could you please tell us about yourself?
- I am Ahmet Coşkunaydın, born on January 28, 1950, in Kemaliye. I completed my primary, secondary, high school, and university education in Istanbul. I have been involved in journalism for approximately 50 years and have worked as a journalist in many countries around the world. Among them, I worked as a journalist in Moscow for about 20 years. In addition, I have prepared reports and travel notes in all South American countries, including China, in the USA, and in many European countries.
I am still engaged in writing and working on a book. I have several published books, the most famous of which is related to Çek Asina. I plan to finish the book I started about Moscow, where I currently live, by the end of the year. At the same time, I continue my education as a university student and participate in doctoral courses.
Saying 'a student doesn't reveal their age,' I hide my age, but I am over 70. In my opinion, age has no effect on learning. I even cite the example of a 102-year-old woman studying for a doctorate in Germany. I have teachers at Istanbul University who have 89-year-old students. A teacher of a law student told me that there was also a man in Germany who studied law at the age of 94. I believe that a person can learn until the end of their life, as long as they desire to
- We are very curious about the fields you studied at the 12 universities you attended. Could you please tell us in detail about those universities, specializations, and in which countries you received these educations?
- Sometimes I even forget when counting (laughs). My favorite is Istanbul University. I am still a student there anyway. There have been times when I studied at two universities simultaneously. After graduating from the Faculty of Pharmacy at Istanbul University, I enrolled in the Institute of Journalism. Later, I completed two master's programs, one at the Faculty of Communication and the other at the Faculty of Economics, both at Istanbul University.
In addition, I have completed various bachelor's and specialization programs in fields such as Public Administration, International Relations, Law, Foreign Trade, Agriculture, and Veterinary Medicine. Currently, I am in the final semester of my Geography bachelor's degree at Istanbul University AUZEF and am close to graduation.
I have also taught at the Institute of Asian and African Studies (ISAA) of Moscow State University and at the Radio-Television Higher School of Istanbul University, in conjunction with Yeni Yüzyıl University.
I am a Turkish journalist and writer. I have worked in the media sector for many years and have reported on many important news stories. I have mainly written articles on foreign policy, economics, and social issues, and have been a columnist for various newspapers and magazines. In addition, I have also worked as a commentator on television programs.
After graduating from Kuleli Military High School, I began my higher education at Istanbul University in 1968. After completing that, I received one and a half years of academic education at Gülhane Military Medical Academy in Ankara. Later, in 1980, I enrolled in the Faculty of International Relations at Erlangen University in Germany, but I returned to Turkey without completing that education.
In 1975, I began my education at the Institute of Journalism at Istanbul University. In 1994, I started teaching at the Institute of Asian and African Studies of Moscow State University alongside Dmitry Yevgenyevich Yeremeyev. After returning to Turkey, in 2009, I participated in a Horticulture course organized by the Ministry of National Education and completed the training.
In 2010, I enrolled in the School of Justice at Anadolu University. In the same year, I also began my education at the Faculty of Economics at Istanbul University. Around 2014, I received my bachelor's degree from the Faculty of Communication at Istanbul University. During this period, I was simultaneously continuing my education at the Higher School of Agriculture.
In 2016 (the exact date may not be clear in my memory), I started an associate degree program in International Trade. In 2017–2018, I continued my bachelor's education in Public Administration. Later, I also completed my specialization in International Relations. In 2018, I completed my master's education at the Faculty of Economics at Istanbul University.
In subsequent years, I completed my bachelor's degree in Geography at Istanbul University AUZEF. Currently, I am continuing my education at the same university in the Faculty of History (4-year program) and in the Elderly Care – Geriatrics (2-year program). I have already completed approximately ten of the educations I listed. Although I sometimes don't fully remember which programs I completed, the entire list is recorded and available.
One of my favorite departments just came to mind: the School of Justice. There you learn the fundamentals of law and receive a diploma in legal knowledge. In addition, I am currently studying history, pursuing a bachelor's degree at Anadolu University, and specializing in Elderly and Patient Care at Istanbul University. You might say that I may have forgotten some, but it doesn't matter, the entire list is recorded, and my commitment to education continues.”
- Why are you studying the specialization in patient or elderly care?
- We are also getting older, the world is getting older, and so are our friends and acquaintances around us. I am studying this specialization to be able to guide and support them. I also see its practical benefits – here you learn to apply many knowledge and skills in real life.
- Which specialization did you enjoy studying the most?
- I loved Geography very much. When I was studying it for four years, I kept saying I wished it would end soon, but when it did, I was sad. I wish it hadn't ended. Thanks to Geography, you understand the world, earthquakes, and environmental problems more deeply. You can interpret everything better and explain it to others. In this regard, geography is very important. I also love to travel; when I travel, my geographical knowledge comes to mind, and I enjoy my trips more. You can now understand the nature, land, mountains, people, and cultures of the country you visit more deeply.
Then I thought: what would complement geography? I said, history. Now I am studying history and I enjoy it greatly. You learn about the past, and a people who know their past can better understand their present and future.
Furthermore, I also loved the School of Justice. There you learn the fundamentals of law – civil rights, criminal laws, the Constitution, and the working principles of courts. These are essential pieces of knowledge for daily life. Universities invite me to give lectures, and I strongly recommend students to study at the School of Justice. I believe these schools are necessary not for making money, but for living a strong and informed life
- And which department did you find the most challenging?
- Perhaps many students will be offended to hear this, but I didn't experience any difficulty. Why? Because I wanted to learn. When there is a desire, difficulty is not felt. If I were to say there were no difficulties, it wouldn't be entirely true. For example, I studied advanced mathematics. It seemed difficult at first, but over the years, I mastered it, and it eventually became very easy.
But do you know what one of the most difficult ones was?
- Which one?
- The lesson was in high-level Turkish. As a journalist of 50 years, I was afraid I might not pass (laughs). Grammar was particularly difficult, but in the end, I overcame that too.
- It probably seems surprising to some that you continue your education without giving up. Have people ever told you "enough" on this path, and how did you react to them?
- Sometimes my professor friends jokingly tell me, “Enough already, what are you doing with all this education?” And I always reply: “What harm is there in acquiring new knowledge?” For example, before studying law, I had to ask a lawyer every legal question. Now, I know the answers to many of them myself. This is my life's decision: I will continue to study until the end of my life.
- What did studying at 12 different universities gain you?
- My biggest gain was self-confidence. It's a completely different feeling for a person to speak about a topic they know. Let me explain the difference between knowing and not knowing with a small example: years ago, I was in Belgrade. I met a Turk there. He started talking to me about Istanbul and said that 20 million people live in the city. However, at that time, Istanbul's population was only 3.5 million. When I objected, he replied: “A taxi driver in Istanbul told me this, will you know better than him?”
This is the big difference between knowledge and merely heard information.
- Let's go back to your first university years. How do you remember that period?
- I remember it very well. We were 18 years old, full of life, hopeful, looking to the future with confidence. We had a group of 62 people from those years, and today we are all still in touch with each other. We often recall those days. A few days ago, I took a photo at Istanbul University and shared it with them. This is because many of them never went back to university after graduating. Those photos, even if only a little, alleviate the longing within them.
- As a student, what is your motivation?
- This is a kind of staying connected to life. You learn new knowledge, your brain remains constantly active. A German professor I greatly admire has a beautiful saying: “At university, there are no professors and students, only students of different ages.” This means everyone learns from each other. The infinity of learning gives a person incredible pleasure.
- How do your many years of experience and your age affect relationships in the classroom environment? How do your fellow students and teachers perceive you?
- Everyone treats me with great respect. In some classes, they even jokingly say, “Mr. Ahmet, don't answer,” because I already know most of the topics (laughs). When I was doing my master's in the Faculty of Communication, Dean Suat Gezgin would always greet me with “Welcome, Mr. Ahmet.” Teas would be brought, and we would chat. This relationship, this atmosphere, was a special pleasure for me.
My family doctor, Ms. Sema, followed my example and also started studying. I have inspired many people to pursue education. I have made approximately 100 people students. Istanbul University even prepared a special program with me. I am proud of this.
- Surely, you must have had teachers younger than you at the universities you attended...
- Of course. Many professors addressed me as “abi” (elder brother). But I bow before knowledge. Age has no importance whatsoever.
- Are there people your age who have studied at more universities than you?
- After the age of 65, I am studying at my 12th university. This is a world record. I started studying more after the age of 60, and I am proud of it.
- Which languages do you know?
- I know English, German, and Russian as if they were my native languages. I also know Arabic. Since last year, I have started learning Bengali.
- What do you do outside of your studies?
- I go to the cinema, I go to exhibitions. Due to my profession, I often attend press conferences and learn new information. I have enough time for everything.
- You have studied in different faculties as a student for many years. What concerns you most about universities today? What shortcomings do you see in education?
- Many things. Lessons are disconnected from life, far from practice. A teacher should not only explain the subject; they should bring examples from life and provide students with a worldview. At the Faculty of Pharmacy of Istanbul University, Professor Ayhan Hoca not only taught us lessons but also taught us humanity and life. We could talk for hours about our chemistry teacher, Mustafa Hoca. I wish there were more teachers like them.
- What would be your most important advice to young people regarding education and self-improvement?
- They should follow innovations, learn technology, especially artificial intelligence. They should research a topic deeply, not superficially. Because every new piece of knowledge enriches a person. Even knowing an additional language is a value for society; it is called “human wealth.”
- After so much education, do you plan to study at university again?
- Yes. As long as my strength and health allow, I will continue to study. I am considering pursuing a bachelor's degree in Sociology. For me, there is no giving up, no stopping.
