Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Atatürk Research and Application Center (ATAUM) and EMU Atatürk Ideology Club (ADK) co-organizeD a panel titled “Geçmişten Günümüze Kuzey Kıbrıs Türk Cumhuriyeti’nin Tarihsel Gelişimi / Historic Development of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC): From Past to Present” on Monday, 15th of December 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Mustafa Afşin Ersoy Hall.
The panel which analyzed the political, social and diplomatic development of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus from different viewpoints, was attended by Famagusta Naval Admiral Captain Caner Temizer, EMU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren and Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu, EMU Atatürk Ideology Club Supervisor Assoc. Prof. Dr. Süheyla Üçışık Erbilen, Rector’s Office Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bülent Kızılduman and many students.
Delivering the opening speech, EMU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe stated that the panel had convened to examine the historical development of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus not merely as a chronological process, but through a comprehensive and in-depth analysis encompassing its political, social, and diplomatic dimensions. He also emphasized the importance of accurately interpreting the past in order to construct the future on a sound foundation.
Prof. Dr. Karatepe stated that, in line with the principles and revolutions of Atatürk, as EMU, they put utmost importance on academic initiatives that enhances historical consciousness, supports critical thinking and keeps the collective memory alive. Continuing his address, Prof. Dr. Karatepe conveyed his desire for the panel on preparing ground for fruitful discussions and bringing participants a new perspective.
Moderated by EMU ATAUM academic staff member Dr. Devran Kaya, the panel featured presentations by Peker Turgud, the TRNC’s first Ambassador to Ankara; Prof. Dr. İsmail Şahin, Head of the Political History Department and Chair of International Relations at Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University; and Dr. Mete Özsezer, EMU ATAUM academic staff member. The panelists approached the political, social and diplomatic development of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus from different point of views.
Important Incidents Occurred in Cyprus in 1950
Noting that 1950 was a year when important incidents and developments happened in Cyprus, Peker Turgud, the TRNC’s first Ambassador to Ankara, talked about diplomacy during the establishment process of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Explaining the historic process through his own recollections, Turgud shared significant information regarding prominent names of that period. Turgud concluded his speech by touching on the finalization of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’s establishment on 15th of November 1983, with a unanimous decision by the Turkish Federated State.
Future of TRNC and Its Political and Social Issues Discussed
Shedding light on the future of TRNC as well as its political and social issues, Prof. Dr. Şahin approached the Cyprus issue through the lenses of sovereignty and authority, governance and representation, and the manner in which the island should be unified. Identifying two principal solution pathways for the Cyprus issue, Prof. Dr. Şahin stressed that a two-state solution represents the most viable approach.
On the other hand, in his speech, Dr. Özsezer talked about the health struggles of Turkish Cypriot community during the difficult times between 1960 and 1974. Moreover, Dr. Özsezer offered insight on rough ghetto life by sharing information obtained from the archives.
Gaining the interest of the participants, the presentations also offered a question-answer session where the questions of the participants were answered. Then, Prof. Dr. Karatepe presented panelists and the moderator silver plates and plaques in recognition of their contributions to the event.
