Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) hosted “Tanıkların Diliyle Kıbrıs Olayları / The Cyprus Events in the Words of Witnesses” organized by Atatürk Research Center operating under the Atatürk Supreme Council for Culture, Language and History. Taking place on Wednesday, 25 February 2025 at 02:30 p.m. at the Mustafa Afşin Ersoy Hall, the event was attended by Republic of Türkiye (TR) Famagusta Consul General İlyas Çetin, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Presidency Private Secretary Çağın Zort, Famagusta Mayor Dr. Süleyman Uluçay, EMU Acting Rector and Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, Chairperson the TR Atatürk Research Center (ATAM) Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kılınç and many students.
The opening ceremony of the event commenced with National Anthem and A Moment of Silence. Then, EMU Acting Rector and Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe emphasized the importance of analysing the historical historical process of Cyprus from multiple perspectives. Prof. Dr. Karatepe pointed out that recounting the events between 1955 and 1983 through witness testimonies would help preserve collective memory and pass it on to future generations and, reaffirmed EMU’s commitment to safeguarding the region’s historical and cultural heritage as part of its academic duty. Stressing that the panel was more than just an academic gathering, but also a valuable platform for learning through personal experiences and historical facts, Prof. Dr. Karatepe expressed gratitude to all contributors. Prof. Dr. Karatepe reiterated his belief that drawing lessons from the past would help build a stronger future and wished for a successful panel.
Also delivering a speech, the Chairperson of TR ATAM Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kılınç touched on the establishment and goals of the Atatürk Research Center. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kılınç highlighted the center’s role as a pioneering institution that sheds light on history through its publications on Turkish history and participation in national and international projects. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kılınç emphasized that they contribute to historical studies through ongoing publications, a digital encyclopaedia, and events such as congresses, symposiums, and panels, while also influencing national policy-making. Moreover, referring to the center’s works on the history of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kılınç pointed out the significance of the 2024 publication “The Cyprus Events in the Words of Witnesses (1955-1983)”, describing it as an important contribution to understanding Cyprus’s past.
Speaking on behalf of the President of TRNC, Private Secretary Çağın Zort extended President’s regards and talked about the existential struggle of the Turkish Cypriot community. Zort reflected on the hardships the Turkish Cypriot community had faced in the past, emphasizing Türkiye’s crucial role in the establishment and survival of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. He pointed out that building a state and living under one flag required immense sacrifices, adding that history books document the struggles endured by both the Turkish Cypriot community and the Turkish nation. Highlighting the necessity of preserving these memories, Zort recalled the EOKA attacks on 12 July, 1958, and shared that his own grandfather had lost his life in the massacre. He then presented an excerpt from an interview with Arif Halil, a witness to those events, stressing the importance of remembering the past to guide the future. Zort concluded his speech by expressing his appreciation to everyone involved in organizing the panel.
Following the opening speeches, a panel moderated by the Chairperson of TR ATAM Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kılınç was held. In the said panel, Full Member of ATAM Scientific Board Prof. Dr. Ali Satan delivered a speech on “Oral History Study and Its Importance in TRNC”. Moreover, “The Path to Peace through Memories” was presented by another Full Member of the ATAM Scientific Board, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hasan Cicioğlu. Lastly, Producer and Director Erdoğan Şentürk delivered a speech titled “Getting to Know the Witnesses of Cypriot History”. During the panel event, one of the witnesses, Dr. İsmail Başarır, shared his memories with the participants.
At the end of the event, Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe presented a traditional Cypriot Lefkara work panel to TR ATAM Chairperson Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kılınç. On the other hand, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kılınç presented certificates of appreciation to the panellists.
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