Cyprus Foundations Administration (EVKAF) and Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) signed two important collaboration protocols on Tuesday, 20 August 2024 at 12:00 p.m. The signing session took place at EMU Rector’s Office building and the protocols were signed by Prof. Dr. Mustafa Tümer, General Director the EVKAF, and EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç. Present during signing session were; EMU Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, Vice Rector for Promotion and Institutional Communication Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, Vice Rector for Financial Affairs Prof. Dr. Salih Katırcıoğlu, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture Prof. Dr. Resmiye Alpar Atun, Department of Architecture academic staff member Assist. Prof. Dr. Öznem Şahali Kovancı and, Director of EMU TV and Visual Media Affairs Coordinator Şevket Serkan Şen.
As part of the first protocol signed between EVKAF and EMU, which sets out the specifics of scholarships for students in the Conservation and Restoration Master’s Program, EVKAF will grant full scholarships to students from EMU’s Faculty of Architecture enrolled in this program. These scholarship recipients will choose thesis topics focused on historic buildings owned by EVKAF. Their research will involve exploring previously unstudied architectural and structural aspects of these buildings, analyzing their current conditions, and developing plans for their conservation, restoration, and adaptive reuse. The objective of these theses is to fill the gaps in scientific research, especially concerning Ottoman-era structures, and to enhance understanding of Cyprus’s cultural heritage, facilitating the dissemination of this knowledge. Furthermore, EVKAF will publish the articles derived from the students’ theses and research in a book or series, creating valuable and accessible resources for future generations on our cultural heritage.
The second protocol signed between EVKAF and EMU involves the production of the documentary titled “Kırmızı ile Beyazın Birleştiği Gün: 20 Temmuz” (“74 için Ne Dediler”) by EMU TV. Moreover, within the scope of the protocol, another film will also be shot by EMU TV on “Works of EVKAF”, which will feature properties owned by EVKAF, according to a list prepared by the Foundations Organization and the Directorate of Religious Affairs.
At the Protocol Signing Ceremony, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Kılıç spoke first, highlighting the significance of this collaboration between two prominent institutions of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) with a special focus. Prof. Dr. Kılıç noted that the primary objective of the first protocol is EVKAF’s support for the master’s program in Conservation and Restoration within the Faculty of Architecture, specifically through scholarships. This support will enable projects dedicated to preserving Cyprus’s cultural heritage, with EVKAF’s support. Prof. Dr. Kılıç emphasized EMU’s social responsibility to safeguard cultural values and mentioned that the projects initiated under this protocol will help fulfill this duty. Prof. Dr. Kılıç also thanked the General Director of EVKAF Prof. Dr. Tümer. Regarding the second protocol, Prof. Dr. Kılıç explained that it includes the production of a documentary on cultural heritage by EMU TV, as well as the recording of cultural artifacts, also by EMU TV. Prof. Dr. Kılıç said; “We take great pride in these collaborations. These protocols are highly valued as they allow us to meet our community obligations and connect our academic work with practical applications. We are committed to continuing such initiatives. I would like to once again thank Prof. Dr. Tümer for his partnership with EMU”.
General Director of EVKAF Prof. Dr. Tümer also addressed the participants in the signing session and stressed that the EVKAF is to continue its contributions towards education. Prof. Dr. Tümer continued his words by saying; “In the past, we have offered scholarship support to fifteen underprivileged students at EMU. To enhance the societal impact of these contributions, we are launching this protocol. EVKAF will provide scholarships to students in the Conservation and Restoration master’s program, and in return, these students will help us by creating projects focused on the restoration, preservation, and upkeep of our historical buildings. I want to thank the Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Prof. Dr. Resmiye Alpar Atun, for her support in this endeavor”. Prof. Dr. Tümer also expressed his gratitude to Serkan Şen, Director of EMU TV, for the other project, noting that EMU TV will create visual records of cultural assets like mosques, inns, baths, and fountains owned by the EVKAF Administration in both Northern and Southern Cyprus. Saying; “We will continue to collaborate with EMU on various projects. Our sole objective is to make lasting contributions to the education and culture of the TRNC”, Prof. Dr. Tümer ended his speech by thanking EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Kılıç and Vice Rectors as well as EMU personnel.
Dean of EMU Faculty of Architecture Prof. Dr. Alpar Atun also thanked the administrations of EVKAF and EMU and said; “Establishing this foundation is highly significant as it enables us to make a contribution to our country alongside our students through the Conservation and Restoration master’s program”.
