Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Özay Oral Library organized a series of events within the scope of the 62nd Library Week, celebrated between 30th of March and 5th of April 2026. In this regard, “Akman Dinçyürek Study Hall” has been launched at Özay Oral Library to honour the memory of Akman Dinçyürek who was a personnel member at the library. The opening ceremony of the study hall was held on 1 April 2026 at 10:30 a.m. Later on the same day, a book reading event titled “Reading Heals” also took place in the library garden area.
The said event was attended by Dr. Hakan Dinçyürek, Minister of Health in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus; EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu and Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, Secretary General Derviş Ekşici, EMU Health Sciences Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Mehtap Malkoç, Özay Oral Library Director Osman Soykan, Karakol Elementary School Principal Remzi Elbruz Atalay, Karakol Elementary School students as well as many EMU staff and students.
Delivering a speech during the opening ceremony of the Akman Dinçyürek Study Hall, Library Director Osman Soykan emphasized the devoted service of the late Akman Dinçyürek, who worked in the library for many years with great commitment. Sharing his personal memories, Soykan noted that Dinçyürek was a cherished figure for the library and would forever be remembered with deep respect and gratitude.
In his address, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç highlighted the late Akman Dinçyürek’s many years of devoted service to the library, noting that he will always be remembered for the meaningful relationships he built with his colleagues and the lasting contributions he made to the institution. Expressing profound sorrow over his early passing, Prof. Dr. Kılıç remarked that naming a study hall in his honor is of great significance both in keeping his memory alive and in offering students and library users an inspiring example of dedication and commitment.
EMU Faculty of Architecture academic staff Prof. Dr. Özgür Dinçyürek whom is also brother of late Akman Dinçyürek, delivered a speech on behalf of Dinçyürek family. Prof. Dr. Dinçyürek expressed that his brother had served the library with great devotion for many years and had come to see the University as his second home. He shared that he was always there whenever needed and remained closely connected with his colleagues even after retirement. Prof. Dr. Dinçyürek underlined that the respect and loyalty shown by the University in honoring late Dinçyürek are a great source of comfort and pride for their family.
Following the opening ceremony, a book reading session was held at the EMU Library garden area.
In his remarks, EMU Özay Oral Library Director Osman Soykan stated that libraries are not only places where books are kept, but also important centers that provide access to information, support lifelong learning, and encourage free thinking. He noted that the EMU Özay Oral Library is one of the leading libraries in the region with its extensive print and electronic resources, further strengthened by recent infrastructure and database investments. Soykan added that the library is open to the public and invited everyone to benefit from its services. He also congratulated the students receiving the “Those Who Read More Know More” awards and wished all participants enjoyable reading as part of the “Reading Heals” event.
Also speaking at the event, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç drew attention to the importance of reading in an individual’s intellectual development, emphasizing that every book offers a new perspective. Stating that libraries are important centers reflecting a society’s cultural heritage and facilitating access to knowledge, Prof. Dr. Kılıç noted that, with advancing technology, libraries have become more accessible and stronger structures. Referring to the University’s investments in the library, he underlined that it is an indispensable component of education and research, and that efforts to further develop it will continue. He also stated that naming the study hall after late Akman Dinçyürek is a significant indication of the University’s sense of loyalty. Lastly, Prof. Dr. Kılıç thanked those who contributed to this meaningful initiative, and wished all participants a life enriched with reading.
As part of the program, the “Those Who Read More Know More” awards were presented to the students who borrowed the highest number of books from the library in 2025 by EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç and Özay Oral Library Director Osman Soykan. At the award ceremony, third place was shared by Emin Aydın Gencer from the Faculty of Law and Kübra Birer from the Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Business and Economics. The second prize was awarded to Batuhan Çavuş from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering. The first prize was awarded to Teslime Turna from the Department of Primary School Mathematics Teaching, Faculty of Education.
Furthermore, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç and Özay Oral Library Director Osman Soykan presented a plaque to Remzi Elbruz Atalay, Principal of Karakol Elementary School in recognition of their participation in the event.
The event continued with a reading session held under the theme “Reading Heals”. The 30-minute silent reading session, organized in the library garden, aimed to draw attention to the importance of cultivating reading habits in society. Organized by the Turkish Librarians’ Association, the event was held simultaneously throughout Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, with students from Karakol Elementary School attending as special guests.
