Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Student Development, Events and Sports Affairs Directorate, Faculty of Tourism and EMU Aviation Club co-organized an event and hosted Murat Özpala, the first ever experimental test pilot of HÜRKUŞ. During the event which took place on Tuesday, 7 April 2026 at 01:30 p.m. at Mustafa Afşin Ersoy Hall, Özpala shared his aviation career experiences with the youngsters, inspiring them.
The event was attended by EMU Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, EMU Faculty of Tourism’s Acting Dean Assist. Prof. Dr. İlkay Yorgancı and Vice Dean Assist. Prof. Dr. Tuna Karatepe, academic and administrative personnel as well as students.
Delivering the opening speech of the event, Acting Dean of Faculty of Tourism Assist. Prof. Dr. İlkay Yorgancı welcomed the participants and noted that they would be hosting a very special guest during the event. Assist. Prof. Dr. Yorgancı also stated that they were honored to host Murat Özpala, emphasizing that the event would be vision-enhancing not only for Civil Aviation students but for all students. Noting that students had the opportunity to meet with a highly distinguished figure, Assist. Prof. Dr. Yorgancı further provided participants with an overview of Özpala’s professional background.
Speaking subsequently, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe stated that Eastern Mediterranean University is the first state university established by law, and provided information about the institution. Prof. Dr. Karatepe emphasized that EMU is a well-established educational institution that has achieved numerous milestones and successes since 1986, pioneering many firsts in Northern Cyprus. Noting that EMU stands as a role-model university through its achievements, he underlined that it holds a respected position internationally with its distinguished academic staff and strong global rankings. Prof. Dr. Karatepe also highlighted the University’s vibrant calendar of events, adding that EMU carries out significant work not only in the academic sphere but also in service to society.
As part of the program, Murat Özpala provided valuable insights into the aviation industry, the processes of test piloting, and the HÜRKUŞ project, and also answered students’ questions. The event concluded with the presentation of a plaque to Özpala by Acting Dean of the Faculty of Tourism, Assist. Prof. Dr. Yorgancı.