Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Center for Cyprus Studies (EMU-KAM) organized “Famagusta Encyclopedia Workshop” event in collaboration with the Municipality of Famagusta. The said workshop took place on Friday, 27 February 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Rauf Raif Denktaş Culture and Congress Center. Desinged to scientifically document the city’s historical, cultural, social, and economic heritage, the project aims to serve as an extensive resource about the city of Famagusta.
The workshop featured Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Parliament Members Resmiye Canaltay and Teberrüken Uluçay, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, Famagusta Mayor Dr. Süleyman Uluçay, Famagusta Civil Defence Organization’s Famagusta Region Director Atilla Sabri Samur, EMU Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, Chair of EMU-KAM Prof. Dr. Deniz İşçioğlu, EMU-KAM Executive Board members and participants who would contribute to the project.
The workshop commenced with an opening address by Prof. Dr. Deniz İşçioğlu, Executive Board Chair of the EMU-KAM. In her speech, Prof. Dr. İşçioğlu underlined that Famagusta has a rich historical and cultural legacy, noting that safeguarding the city’s collective memory is a vital responsibility toward future generations. She emphasized that the city’s uniqueness lies not only in its historical architecture but also in its lived experiences and accumulated values, adding that the encyclopedia project will ensure this heritage is preserved in a lasting and scholarly manner.
EMU-KAM Executive Board Member İsmail Bozkurt also delivered a speech, emphasizing that that the Famagusta Encyclopedia will be developed strictly in accordance with scientific standards, without any ideological approach. He noted that the encyclopedia will become a trustworthy reference work through articles authored by subject-matter experts, adding that the project will later be made available in digital form alongside its printed edition to help prevent the spread of misinformation. Bozkurt also emphasized that this initiative will serve as a pioneering model not only for Famagusta but for other municipalities as well.
Also making remarks on the matter, Famagusta Mayor Dr. Süleyman Uluçay drew attention to the city’s importance in terms of country’s economy and cultural landscape. He noted that Famagusta’s character as a port city, its well-established educational institutions, and its rich recent history constitute valuable assets that should be formally documented. Dr. Uluçay emphasized that the municipality actively supports academic and cultural efforts aimed at safeguarding the city’s collective memory and affirmed that university–municipality cooperation will continue to strengthen.
Speaking at the event, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç emphasized that universities have important social responsibilities beyond their roles in education and research. He highlighted that initiatives contributing to Famagusta carry particular significance for the university and stated that the Famagusta Encyclopedia Project plays a vital role in preserving and passing on the city’s historical and cultural heritage to future generations. Underlining the importance of completing the project with determination, Prof. Dr. Kılıç thanked all stakeholders involved for their contributions
Lastly, TRNC Parliament Member Resmiye Canaltay addressed the participants of the event, stating that the city of Famagusta possesses a strong collective memory. She emphasized that preserving a city’s past is essential for building a healthy future, and noted that systematically documenting the city’s collective memory would make a significant contribution to the protection of its cultural heritage
Following the speeches, participants interested in contributing to the Famagusta Encyclopedia were given the floor in a session moderated by İsmail Bozkurt. During the session, prospective authors were briefed on the project’s purpose, scope, and writing principles. The Famagusta Encyclopedia, which will take shape through participants’ proposed entries and contributions, is expected to be the outcome of a long-term effort and to serve as a permanent and valuable reference work for the city.
