Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) organized a conference on “Common Alphabet Studies in Turkic World” on Friday, 14 March 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Mustafa Afşin Ersoy Hall. Republic of Türkiye, Turkish Language Association (TDK) Chairperson Prof. Dr. Osman Mert attended the event as a guest speaker.

The event was attended by EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, Director of Atatürk Teacher Academy (AOA) Assoc. Prof. Dr. Güner Konedralı, EMU Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, EMU General Secretary Derviş Ekşici, Ankara University (AU) Faculty of Language, History and Geography, Turkish Language and Literature Department academic staff member Prof. Dr. Paşa Yavuzarslan, Dean of EMU Faculty of Education Prof. Dr. Ahmet Pehlivan, department chairs, academic personnel and many students.

“TRNC Participating in a Common Alphabet Study for the First Time”

Delivering the opening speech of the event, Dean of EMU Faculty of Education Prof. Dr. Pehlivan touched on the contributions of TDK Chairperson Prof. Dr. Osman Mert on grammar in TRNC. Prof. Dr. Pehlivan highlighted that Prof. Dr. Mert holds a unique position for being the first to include the TRNC in a common alphabet study among Turkish-speaking countries. Prof. Dr. Pehlivan noted that the Faculty of Education at EMU plays a crucial role in the advancement and spread of the Turkish language, emphasizing that the faculty has initiated several ground-breaking efforts in this area. Prof. Dr. Pehlivan also shared that the faculty has organized significant conferences and events, such as the 13th International Conference on Teaching and Education of Turkish and the inaugural International Dialectology and Geolinguistics Congress. Furthermore, Prof. Dr. Pehlivan mentioned that the faculty introduced the first Master’s program in Turkish Language Teaching to Foreigners to further promote Turkish as a foreign language.

“To Enhance the Interaction within the Turkic World”

In his speech, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç underscored the historical and cultural significance of the Turkish language, emphasizing that a unified alphabet would strengthen connections within the Turkic world. Prof. Dr. Kılıç stated that the work led by Prof. Dr. Osman Mert is an important step forward in this area, and that the common alphabet would play a key role in laying solid foundations for cultural heritage. Prof. Dr. Kılıç remarked that language is not only a means of communication but also a key element of identity and unity, and underscored that the common alphabet would foster scientific, artistic, and economic cooperation. Prof. Dr. Kılıç also noted that these efforts would help boost collaboration in the fields of knowledge and education across the Turkic world.

“Unity in Other Fields cannot be achieved without Unity in the Alphabet”

The conference began following the opening speeches. Stating that youngsters are assurance of the future, Prof. Dr. Mert said, “At the moment, you represent twenty percent of our population, but you are the entirety of our future”. Prof. Dr. Mert explained that the symbols used by ancient civilizations have been passed down through generations, with some of these symbols gaining phonetic meanings over time. Pointing out that without achieving unity in the alphabet, unity in other areas cannot be realized. Prof. Dr. Mert stressed that culture is encoded in words and transmitted through them. Prof. Dr. Mert also mentioned that a common alphabet would bring people closer, emphasizing that the TRNC is a part of the Turkic world, and underlined the significance of the Turkish language with the statement, “Imagine removing Turkish from Anatolia, we would disappear”. Prof. Dr. Mert concluded by saying, “Just as unity was once achieved at the state level, it can now be achieved through a common alphabet”.

The event concluded with a question-answer session and EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç presenting an appreciation plaque to TDK Chairperson Prof. Dr. Osman Mert.

A Visit to Prof. Dr. Kılıç

Following the conference, Prof. Dr. Osman Mert paid a courtesy visit to EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç in his office. During the said visit, Prof. Dr. Kılıç presented extensive information regarding EMU and expressed their contentment on hosting Prof. Dr. Mert at EMU.

Present during the visit were Director of AOA Assoc. Prof. Dr. Güner Konedralı, EMU Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, Dean of EMU Faculty of Education Prof. Dr. Ahmet Pehlivan, AU Faculty of Language, History and Geography, Turkish Language and Literature Department academic staff member Prof. Dr. Paşa Yavuzarslan and EMU Faculty of Education and, Turkish and Social Sciences Education Department Chair Prof. Dr. Vugar Sultanzade. At the end of the visit, Prof. Dr. Kılıç presented a traditional Cypriot Lefkara work embroidery to Prof. Dr. Mert, who in exchange presented a book to Prof. Dr. Kılıç.