Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Municipality of Famagusta and İsmail Bozkurt signed a collaboration protocol regarding the Famagusta Encyclopedia Project. The protocol, signed by EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, Famagusta Mayor Dr. Süleyman Uluçay and İsmail Bozkurt, seeks to establish a Famagusta Encyclopedia that is designed to scientifically document the city’s historical, cultural, social, and economic heritage, preserve collective memory, and pass on reliable knowledge to future generations.
The protocol signing session held at EMU Rector’s Office building was attended by EMU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe and Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu, Chair of Center for Cyprus Studies (EMU-KAM) Prof. Dr. Deniz İşçioğlu, and EMU-KAM Executive Board Members Prof. Dr. Resmiye Alpar Atun, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seray Kabaran and Assist. Prof. Dr. Tuna Karatepe.
Making remarks on the matter, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç stated that they had gathered for a meaningful collaboration and underlined the importance of EMU contributing to the city it is part of. Prof. Dr. Kılıç noted that the Famagusta Encyclopedia will be prepared through the cooperation of EMU, the Famagusta Municipality, and İsmail Bozkurt, highlighting that such a study is being undertaken for the first time at a city level. He also stated that the EMU Center for Cyprus Studies will carry out significant work in the preparation of the encyclopedia, adding that he firmly believes the project will be worthy of both the university and the country.
Also making an address, Dr. Uluçay stressed EMU’s vital role in the higher education field of the country, emphasizing that the university has consistently been a pioneer in groundbreaking initiatives and will also lead the preparation of the Famagusta Encyclopedia. Expressing his gratitude to all contributors, Dr. Uluçay noted that EMU has always served as a model and a leading institution in the country, adding that the Famagusta Encyclopedia will constitute an important resource for young people and children.
Speaking at the event, Bozkurt drew attention to the absence of a comprehensive encyclopedia dedicated to Cyprus, explaining that although Turkish-language encyclopedias from Türkiye have traditionally been used, the need for a Cyprus-specific reference has become increasingly evident. Sharing details about the Famagusta Encyclopedia, he stressed that the publication will include extensive information covering all aspects of the city. Bozkurt expressed his belief that the institutions involved will contribute meaningfully to the project and achieve success through their collaborative efforts. He also noted that the initiative is expected to serve as a model for other municipalities, and concluded by expressing his best wishes for the partnership.
Thanking everyone contributing to the realization of the protocol, Prof. Dr. İşçioğlu, Chair of EMU-KAM, stated that the project activities will begin at the earliest opportunity.