Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Faculty of Law student Emin Gencer Aydın received first place award in the undergraduate category of essay competition organized by Fatih Sultan Mehmet Foundation University, in memory of Martyr Prosecutor Mehmet Selim Kiraz.
This year’s competition, being the seventh edition of the series, was organized with “illegal betting” theme and hosted many law students all around Türkiye. The participants were evaluated from multiple perspectives based on how they addressed a current social issue from a legal standpoint, as well as on the analytical depth and originality of their contributions.
EMU Faculty of Law student Emin Gencer Aydın’s study titled “Illegal Betting Crimes from Perspective of Criminal Law” highlighted that defining illegal betting offenses as ‘abstract endangerment crimes’ creates a normative tension between the fundamental principles of criminal law and penal policy, presenting this argument through a systematic and critical analysis
Aydın’s achievement is regarded not only as a reflection of individual academic excellence, but also as a concrete outcome of EMU’s educational approach, which encourages students to engage in scientific research and production. The awards were presented during a ceremony held on 9 April 2026, with the participation of Sedat Ayyıldız, Deputy Minister of Justice of the Republic of Türkiye. Officials stated that the primary aim of the competition is to encourage young legal scholars to pursue academic work and to contribute to the discussion of contemporary legal issues on a scientific basis.
In her remarks on the matter, EMU Faculty of Law’s Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arzu Alibaba noted that achievements of their students have always been an immense source of pride for the faculty. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alibaba continued; “We attach great importance to our students distinguishing themselves not only through theoretical knowledge, but also through their analytical thinking and capacity for academic production. On behalf of the faculty, I extend my sincere congratulations to our student”.
EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç also address the success of Law Faculty students, underscoring that the university attaches great importance on academic development of its students. Prof. Dr. Kılıç said; “We are extremely pleased that our student has achieved first place in such a meaningful and nationally prestigious competition. As EMU, we take pride in seeing the results of our educational approach, which promotes scientific production, fosters critical thinking, and aims to cultivate individuals who are sensitive to societal issues”.