Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Faculty of Law, established in 1196, celebrated its 30th year with a meaningful and comprehensive event. Held on Saturday, 2 May 2026 at 6:00 p.m., honored by the participation of TRNC President Tufan Erhürman, the event served as a significant platform bringing graduates and current students together while shedding light on the long-standing history of the faculty.
Attending the event were EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, former EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Abdullah Y. Öztoprak, EMU Vice Rector for Promotion and Institutional Communication Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, Acting Dean of EMU Faculty of Law Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arzu Alibaba, Vice Deans Assoc. Prof. Dr. Demet Çelik Ulusoy and Assist. Prof. Dr. Emine Koçano Rodoslu, academic and administrative staff members as well as current and former students of the faculty.
EMU Faculty of Law academic staff member and former dean Prof. Dr. Sema Taşpınar Ayvaz expressed her pleasure at celebrating the faculty’s 30th anniversary, recalling her years as dean and the deep connection she has maintained with the faculty over time. Describing the faculty as a second home, Prof. Dr. Ayvaz stated that she still continues to teach and support the faculty whenever possible. She also underlined the pride she feels when meeting graduates of the EMU Faculty of Law in academic circles and various cities, adding that each encounter with alumni is a meaningful and joyful experience for her.
In his address, Prof. Dr. Ramazan Arslan, who served as the Dean of Ankara University Faculty of Law during the founding period of the EMU Faculty of Law and who currently serves as a faculty member at Başkent University Faculty of Law, reflected on the establishment and institutional development of the faculty. Prof. Dr. Arslan highlighted that the support and efforts of former rectors, university administrators, and academic staff were instrumental in shaping the faculty into its present form. He further stated that the initiative to establish the EMU Faculty of Law was born out of collaborative discussions between Ankara University and EMU, noting that both administrative and academic procedures were swiftly put into practice through a series of consultations and planning meetings held during the process.
In her remarks, Arzu Alibaba, Acting Dean of the EMU Faculty of Law, highlighted that the faculty’s 30-year journey has been shaped by significant dedication, effort, and academic experience. She shared that after graduating from Ankara University Faculty of Law 29 years ago, she began her academic career at the faculty as a research assistant and has since continued working together with colleagues for the advancement of the institution. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alibaba stated that the faculty has been developed with great care and commitment over the years, with a strong focus on delivering qualified legal education and educating accomplished graduates. She also extended her appreciation to former academics and all individuals whose contributions played an important role in bringing the faculty to its current respected standing.
“A Great Source of Pride”
In his remarks, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç described the 30-year growth and achievements of the EMU Faculty of Law as a matter of immense pride and enthusiasm. He stressed that the faculty serves not only as an educational institution producing qualified graduates, but also as a center that promotes the values of justice, equality, and ethical responsibility among its students. Prof. Dr. Kılıç stated that collaborating closely with the faculty’s academic staff throughout his career had been a meaningful and rewarding experience for him. He also conveyed his gratitude to all academics who played a role in the establishment and advancement of the faculty. Emphasizing the faculty’s contribution to the international prestige of EMU, Prof. Dr. Kılıç noted that the success of its graduates in distinguished positions—particularly as judges, prosecutors, and bar association presidents—demonstrates the strong academic foundation and high-quality education offered by the faculty.
“A Remarkable Example of Institutional Development”
In his address, TRNC President Tufan Erhürman spoke about the 30-year institutional journey of the EMU Faculty of Law and reflected on his own academic ties with the faculty. He described the faculty’s current position as a notable achievement in terms of institutional growth and continuity, adding that its graduates have successfully assumed influential positions in Türkiye as well as in various countries abroad. President Erhürman also emphasized that the faculty’s accomplishments are closely linked to the academic heritage of the Ankara Law tradition. Referring to prominent academics such as Prof. Dr. Aydoğan Özman, Prof. Dr. Turgut Turhan, and Prof. Dr. Esin Konanç, Erhürman noted that their dedication played a vital role in shaping and advancing the faculty from its early years onward. He further stated that the faculty was built not only upon a strong academic foundation, but also through a shared culture grounded in a sense of community and belonging. Erhürman concluded by stressing that the enduring relationships established among academics and alumni continue to represent one of the faculty’s greatest strengths.
Following the opening addresses, Hidayet Nalan Tüzel, a 2000 graduate of the EMU Faculty of Law, delivered a speech on behalf of the faculty’s distinguished alumni. Reflecting on the faculty’s dynamic and forward-looking structure established in 1996, Tüzel expressed her pride in being among its earliest graduates. Tüzel noted that although she encountered various challenges at the beginning of her educational journey, the faculty’s academic atmosphere and supportive community contributed greatly to their growth and development. She emphasized that the faculty represented far more than a place of education, describing it as an environment where the foundations of a legal career and professional identity are formed. Stressing that the study of law extends beyond the acquisition of knowledge, Tüzel stated that legal education also nurtures a deep understanding of justice, adding that justice is the one principle that remains constant over time.
As part of the event program, students who qualified for Honor and High Honor certificates in the 2025–2026 Academic Year Fall Semester were presented with their awards. Following the ceremony, attendees watched a video showcasing the faculty’s development and achievements throughout the years. The event came to a close with a cocktail reception accompanied by a musical recital.
