The 18th Psychology Days organized by Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Psychology in collaboration with Psychology Students Club was held with the “Understanding the Self” theme on 6-7 May 2026 at Mustafa Afşin Ersoy Hall.
The opening ceremony of the event took place on Wednesday, 6 May 2026 at 9:00 a.m. with the participation of EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, EMU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu and Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, EMU General Secretary Derviş Ekşici, Dean of EMU Faculty of Arts and Sciences Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özarslan, Vice Dean of EMU Faculty of Arts and Sciences Assist. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Bozer, Head of EMU Department of Psychology Prof. Dr. İlhan Raman, faculty members and students.
In his opening remarks, President of the EMU Psychology Students Club, Ömer Faruk Karademir, expressed their pride in hosting this year’s event under the theme “Understanding the Self”. Karademir emphasized that, although the organization process involved various challenges, it proved to be an extremely meaningful and instructive experience for the team. He thanked all those who contributed to the event, especially the club’s executive committee members and volunteer students. Karademir also touched upon the club’s newly launched magazine, noting that it is intended to be published on a semester basis.
“An Ever-Changing Structure”
Head of the EMU Department of Psychology, Prof. Dr. İlhan Raman, extended her thanks to all students and academic staff involved in the preparation of the event, noting that the dedication of club members and volunteer students played a vital role in the successful organization of the program. Stressing the significance of centering this year’s event on the concept of the “self,” Prof. Dr. Raman described the self as a dynamic structure that continuously transforms through individuals’ interactions with internal and external factors. She further stated that the theme holds strong relevance to the fields of social, clinical, and cognitive psychology, and conveyed his wishes for an insightful, productive, and scientifically rewarding event for all participants.
“A Significant Discipline Addressing Human Experience through Diverse Perspectives”
Delivering a speech at the event, Dean of the EMU Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özarslan, emphasized that psychology is a vital discipline that approaches human experience from multiple perspectives. Pointing out the strong academic staff and broad areas of study of the Department of Psychology, Prof. Dr. Özarslan stated that events of this nature play an important role in supporting students’ academic and career development. He noted that the presentations, discussions, and interactive sessions held throughout the program would help participants gain fresh insights and broaden their perspectives. Stressing that Psychology Days has evolved into a well-rooted tradition over the years, Prof. Dr. Özarslan added that the continuity of the event is a reflection of the department’s strong academic foundation and institutional experience.
“To Be Explored Through Individual and Social Dimensions”
EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç underlined the importance of scientific and student-centered activities organized within the university environment. Noting that student clubs play a valuable role not only in academic development but also in supporting students’ social, cultural, and personal growth, Prof. Dr. Kılıç described the uninterrupted continuation of Psychology Days for 18 years as a significant accomplishment. Speaking about this year’s theme, “Understanding the Self,” he stated that the topic would be examined from both individual and social dimensions. Prof. Dr. Kılıç also emphasized that the sessions, featuring contributions from distinguished experts in the field, would greatly enrich the event. He added that the comprehensive program would enable participants to gain new insights and broader perspectives, and concluded by congratulating the academics and students involved in the organization while wishing all attendees a fruitful and inspiring event experience.
Academic Presentations and Social Activities held Together
Following the opening addresses, the academic sessions began with a presentation titled “The Construction of the Self” delivered by academic staff member Dr. Onur İyilikci. Throughout the day, participants had the opportunity to attend a variety of presentations, including “Self within Acceptance and Commitment Therapy” by Prof. Dr. Nuno Ferreira and “The Concept of Self in Art” by Specialist Psychologist Şimay Erdemirci. The program also featured an internship presentation coordinated by Assist. Prof. Dr. Akile Berfu Zorba within the scope of the 18th Psychology Days, enabling students to share insights from their field experiences.
The event later continued with a screening and analysis of the film Dark City, conducted under the guidance of Assist. Prof. Dr. Burcu Kaya Kızılöz and Assist. Prof. Dr. Deniz Atalar. Alongside the film session, participants also took part in a mask-painting workshop and an informal coffee discussion on graduate school applications. During the remainder of the program, Specialist Psychologist Neslin İyilikci delivered a presentation titled “The Self: The Internalized Memory of Relationships,” while Specialist Psychologist Şimay Erdemirci presented her work focusing on the concept of self in art.
Academic Presentations Continued
The second day of the event opened with Prof. Dr. Nebi Sümer’s presentation titled “How and Why Self-Esteem Transforms into Narcissism?”. The program then proceeded with sessions delivered by Prof. Dr. Ayşecan Boduroğlu and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Deniz Tahiroğlu on “Identity Fragmentation within Collective Memory Networks”, followed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Deniz Tahiroğlu’s presentation titled “Real and Imaginary Relationships: Understanding Other Minds.” Additional sessions included “Identity Differentiation in Collective Memory Networks” by Prof. Dr. Ayşecan Boduroğlu, “The Construction of the Self” by Assist. Prof. Dr. Onur İyilikci, “The Self as the Internalized Memory of Relationships” by Nesrin İyilikci, “How and Why Did Self-Esteem Transform into Narcissism?” by Prof. Dr. Nebi Sümer, and “Real and Imaginary Relationships: Understanding Other Minds” by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Deniz Tahiroğlu. In addition to the academic presentations, the program included coffee talks focusing on graduate applications, interactive quiz activities, and poster presentation sessions.
Supported by conferences, workshops, film screenings, and interactive sessions throughout the two-day program, the 18th Psychology Days provided participants with the opportunity to explore the concept of self through various disciplines and perspectives, contributing to both their academic and personal development.
