Gökhan Aracı, Founder Member and General Secretary of the İlelebet Beşiktaşlılar Association, was a guest on the 96th episode of the program “Eylül Aşkın İle,” hosted by Eylül Aşkın. He discussed the experiences he gained from his background in television and the exemplary social responsibility projects they carry out within the association.

In the program, Aracı first touched upon his television career, stating that his time working as a production and guest coordinator in the 1990s greatly contributed to his personal development. He expressed that his live broadcast experience improved his organizational skills and significantly strengthened his practical intelligence and crisis management abilities. He mentioned that television in those days was more enjoyable and had a stronger production foundation, whereas today, the industry has transformed completely due to rating anxieties and the influence of digital media.

Aracı also shared the story of his transition from television to the university sector. He explained that while working in organization, he became acquainted with universities in Cyprus and subsequently began working at Near East University. He stated that he has been working at the university for about 13 years and that during this time, they have strengthened the university’s position in Cyprus.

Aracı also commented on changes in the education system and exam systems, particularly addressing the issues with the LGS and YKS exams and the difficulties students face in choosing a profession. He advised students to pursue careers they love and to talk to people already working in those fields.

The Association’s Founding Story and Social Responsibility Projects

Aracı stated that the İlelebet Beşiktaşlılar Association was founded in 2020 by congress members of the Beşiktaş Gymnastics Club. He emphasized that the most important feature of the association is that it only accepts Beşiktaş congress members. He highlighted that their goal as an association is not to take from Beşiktaş but to give to Beşiktaş.

Aracı mentioned that they carry out many social responsibility projects within the association, specifically pointing to their aid efforts for children in the earthquake zone. He explained that they provided clothing and shoe assistance to needy students at a school in Hatay and then brought 50 students to Ankara to visit Anıtkabir. He stated that they will compile the letters written by these children into a booklet and send it to the General Staff Headquarters.

A Meaningful Theater Project for Children with Special Needs: “Masal Savaşçıları” (Fairy Tale Warriors)

Aracı announced that the most important project they are currently working on is a theater play called “Masal Savaşçıları” (Fairy Tale Warriors), prepared for children with special needs. He revealed that the play, which will be staged on September 25th at the Haliç Congress Center, will feature children with special needs sharing the stage with famous actors. He said that Sibel Taşçıoğlu, Hakan Bilgin, and Taner Özdeş have already pledged their support for the play, and a few more names are soon to be confirmed.

Aracı stated that the project’s goal is to use the donations collected to build a school with kindergarten status for children with special needs or to renovate the kindergarten classes of existing schools. He expressed that they set out with the slogan “Every child is a star” and that they will never leave these children alone.

Aracı added that those who wish to support the project can reach out to them through the İlelebet Beşiktaşlılar Association’s social media accounts.

The program concluded with Eylül Aşkın thanking the guest and calling on the audience to follow the projects.