The “Champion Angels Grove” was inaugurated with the contributions of Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing and EMU Nursing Club. The inauguration ceremony took place on Tuesday, 27 May 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in front of Block C located at the Faculty of Health Sciences. Within the scope of the ceremony, the trees in the grove were named after the Champion Angels who sadly passed away on 6 February 2023 during the earthquake disaster. The grove consists of 35 saplings planted in memory of 35 members of the Champion Angels.
The ceremony was attended by EMU Board of Trustees (VYK) Acting President Halil İbrahim Orun, EMU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, Prof. Dr. Salih Katırcıoğlu and Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, EMU General Secretary Derviş Ekşici, EMU Health Sciences Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Mehtap Malkoç, Head of EMU Department of Nursing Prof. Dr. Sevinç Taştan, EMU Rector’s Office Coordinators, academic and administrative staff members.
Delivering the opening remarks of the event, Prof. Dr. Sevinç Taştan, the Head of EMU Department of Nursing, noted that the grove project has been initiated in loving memory of Champion Angels who lost their lives in the 6 February earthquake. Saying, “Today, we will be planting 35 olive trees”, Prof. Dr. Taştan added “These trees are not only plants, they will symbolize the vibrant spirit, hope, and lasting impact of the souls we have lost”. Furthermore, Prof. Dr. Taştan stated that the grove will also embody the unifying and healing spirit of togetherness and solidarity that the Champion Angels left behind.
Taking the stage following Prof. Dr. Taştan, Dean of EMU Health Sciences Faculty Prof. Dr. Mehtap Malkoç stated that the faculty had gathered together for a very meaningful event, saying; “Our faculty has once again demonstrated its commitment to being more than just an academic institution, by embracing its role in meaningful social responsibility initiatives. Today, we gather to commemorate the 35 Champion Angels we tragically lost in the 6 February earthquake, and to pay tribute to their memory with heartfelt gratitude and reverence. I warmly welcome you all and sincerely thank you for standing with us on this poignant occasion”.
EMU Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe also delivered a speech during the event and extended his gratitude to the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Department of Nursing for organizing the event. Prof. Dr. Karatepe continued his speech by saying; “There are times when we speak with sincerity from the heart, yet the reality remains difficult to accept. The earthquake of 6 February is one of those moments—a profound pain we still cannot fully comprehend. We remember our Champion Angels with great longing and affection, and I wish to express our heartfelt solidarity with their cherished families. May meaningful initiatives like this help preserve their memory, and may the legal process carried out in their name also serve to honour and uphold that memory”.
In his remarks, the Acting President of the EMU VYK, Halil İbrahim Orun, said; “Dear youngsters, today I wish to address you from the heart. Above all, one of the most sacred values we can uphold is remembrance and gratitude. Throughout the national struggle, what sustained the Turkish Cypriot people was the unwavering spirit of unity, resilience, and solidarity. This meaningful gathering in honour of our Champion Angels reflects your admirable sense of loyalty. I thank each of you sincerely for this noble gesture. May our Champion Angels rest in peace”.
The event concluded with the planting and naming of 35 olive trees in remembrance of 35 Champion Angels who sadly passed away in the 6 February earthquake.