Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Faculty of Tourism, in collaboration with Community Involvement Center (CIC), organized a meaningful cooking competition and award ceremony in memory of late faculty member Prof. Dr. Mehmet Altınay. Held with the participation of students from the Famagusta Special Education and Vocational Training School and their mothers, the event created unforgettable moments for participants through its emotional and social significance.
The cooking competition, held in TH107 Hall of the EMU Prof. Dr. Mehmet Altınay Building, was conducted under the guidance of Chef Mine Adalıer. Following the training session, the students and their mothers had the opportunity to showcase their skills by preparing handmade pasta while also experiencing the joy of creating together.
Award Ceremony Held
Delivering the opening remarks at the award ceremony held following the competition, Assist. Prof. Dr. Nazenin Ruso Kandemir, Chair of the EMU-CIC, stated that Prof. Dr. Mehmet Altınay was one of the distinguished figures who left a lasting mark on EMU through his contributions to the field of tourism, his academic work, and the care and dedication he showed to his students. Assist. Prof. Dr. Kandemir emphasized that the event was not merely a competition but also a meaningful gathering dedicated to preserving the valuable legacy of Prof. Dr. Mehmet Altınay.
Emir Ali Evcimen, Director of Famagusta Special Education and Vocational Training School, also made an address, stating that Prof. Dr. Mehmet Altınay was not only a successful academic but also a remarkable individual who held a special place in the hearts of those around him. Evcimen thanked all stakeholders who contributed to the organization of such a meaningful event and also expressed his appreciation to the Altınay Family for their support in preserving the memory of Prof. Dr. Mehmet Altınay.
In her remarks, Prof. Dr. Zehra Altınay, daughter of the late Prof. Dr. Mehmet Altınay, stated that preserving her father’s name and passing on his values to future generations held great significance for the family. She emphasized that the EMU Faculty of Tourism had always held a special place for Prof. Dr. Mehmet Altınay and extended her thanks to everyone who contributed to the event.
Awards were presented to the students who placed in the competition by Gülay Altınay, wife of the late Prof. Dr. Mehmet Altınay, and his daughter, Prof. Dr. Zehra Altınay. Following the award ceremony, the Altınay Family presented commemorative gifts as a gesture of appreciation to those who contributed to the organization of the event. In this context, gifts were presented to Assist. Prof. Dr. Nazenin Ruso Kandemir, Chair of the EMU-CIC; Chef Mine Adalıer, Lecturer at the EMU Faculty of Tourism and instructor of the competition; and Emir Ali Evcimen, Director of the Famagusta Special Education and Vocational Training School, in recognition of their contributions to the event.
In his closing remarks, Assist. Prof. Dr. İlkay Yorgancı, Acting Dean of the EMU Faculty of Tourism, emphasized the significant contributions Prof. Dr. Mehmet Altınay made to the field of tourism and stated that he is remembered with great affection and deeply missed. Assist. Prof. Dr. Yorgancı noted that Altınay would continue to be remembered as an exemplary academic who was admired and respected by both his students and colleagues throughout his life.
The event concluded with a group photograph bringing together the students who participated in the competition, their families, academics, and invited guests.
