The opening ceremony of ‘20 July – Peace and Freedom Day Photograph Exhibition’ was held under the auspices of Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Rector’s Office, in collaborations of EMU Atatürk Research and Application Center (EMU-ATAUM) and EMU Faculty of Communication and, with the contributions of Turkish News Agency – Cyprus (TAK) and Department of Information. The said ceremony took place on Monday, 22 July 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the Rauf Raif Denktaş Culture and Congress Center with the participation of the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Ersin Tatar.
Along with the President Tatar, many people attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition, including; EMU Board of Trustees President (VYK) Dr. Erdal Özcenk, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, TR Nicosia Embassy Famagusta Consul General İlyas Çetin, ITU North Cyprus Rector Prof. Dr. Murat Sarı, VYK members Halil İbrahim Orun and Anıl Kaya, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu, Prof. Dr. Salih Katırcıoğlu and Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, Director of the TRNC Department of Information Peysan Arıkan, Director of Department of Culture Şirin Zaimağaoğlu, Director of TAK Fehmi Gürdallı, Deans, Coordinators, Faculty Members, Administrative Staff and students.
“May Sovereignty Reign Forever in a Bright Future”
Following the observance of a Moment of Silence and the National Anthem, Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç commenced his opening speech by welcoming all the attendees to the opening ceremony organized within the framework of 50th year anniversary and celebrations of 20 July Peace and Freedom Day. Highlighting that the Turkish Cypriots’ current ability to live independently and confidently under their own flag in their homeland is due to the 20 July Peace Operation, Prof. Dr. Kılıç stressed the significance of 20 July for the Turkish Cypriots. Expressing his gratitude to those involved in organizing the exhibition, Prof. Dr. Kılıç commemorated the 20 July Peace and Freedom Day, hoping for eternal sovereignty in a bright future.
“A Federal-Based Agreement is not viable for the Continuation of Peace in the Future”
In his speech, President of TRNC Ersin Tatar expressed his contentment on being present at the exhibition organized specifically for the 50th year anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation. Noting that Turkish Cypriot community has faced many struggles throughout the years, President Tatar mentioned that peace has been sustained in Cyprus for the past 50 years with the backing of the motherland, asserting that a federal-based agreement is not viable for future peace. Tatar emphasized the need for a broader perspective, highlighting that the TRNC is an independent Turkish state with its own territory, waters, airspace, and robust support from the motherland. Tatar also remarked that the TRNC should not be evaluated based on short-term politics, noting that the issue is extensive and international in nature.
Making remarks about the EMU, President Tatar once again conveyed his happiness to be at EMU, the locomotive university of TRNC, and stressed the value of EMU which has graduated thousands of students since its establishment. Stating that EMU possesses significant value through its assets, lands, investments, staff, and the achievements of its graduates and, noting that these values are beyond monetary measurement, President Tatar underscored the importance of safeguarding these values and passing them on to future generations by supporting the TRNC. Tatar also expressed his gratitude to those involved in organizing the exhibition.
Following the speeches, Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç presented a souvenir to President Ersin Tatar. Furthermore, Prof. Dr. Kılıç presented the Director of TAK Fehmi Gürdallı a plaque for their contributions. On the other hand, VYK President Dr. Erdal Özcenk presented a plaque to the Director of Department of Information Peysan Arıkan for their contributions as well. Then, TRNC President Ersin Tatar inaugur the exhibition with a ribbon cutting ceremony with the participation of EMU VYK President Dr. Erdal Özcenk, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç and guests. To be open for visitations until 22 August 2024, the exhibition features nearly 100 photos compiled from the 20 July events held between 1974 and 2023. Carefully selected from the photographers of the Turkish News Agency – Cyprus and the Department of Information, most of these photos have never been displayed before. The exhibition presents noteworthy historical moments captured from the archives scanned from 1974 to the present day.
A Visit to EMU Beach Club
Following the opening ceremony of the exhibition, President Tatar and the accompanying delegation paid a visit to EMU Beach Club. Obtaining information regarding the Beach Club and the land surrounding the facility, Tatar emphasized that they will always support EMU.