Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Faculty of Law hosted a symposium titled the ‘Mediation in Civil Disputes’ in memory of late Prof. Dr. Esin Konanç with the participation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Supreme Court President Narin Ferdi Şefik . Organised in memory of Prof. Dr. Esin Konanç, who tragically lost her life in a car accident on December 20th 2009, the symposium was held on December 24th 2018, Monday (10:00) at Mustafa Afşin Ersoy Hall. Commencing with a moment of silence, national anthem and a reading of Prof. Dr. Konanç’s biography, the symposium hosted the opening address of EMU Law Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Metin Gürkanlar.
In his address, Prof. Dr. Gürkanlar stated that annual academic organisations in memory of Prof. Dr. Konanç are organised regularly and that during the current symposium the participants will be discussing Mediation in Civil Disputes. Providing information on mediation, Prof. Dr. Gürkanlar thanked all those who contributed to the organisation of the symposium.
EMU Vice Rector for International Affairs and Promotion Prof. Dr. Cem Tanova also delivered a speech in which he stated the university’s pleasure in hosting a meaningful event as such. Prof. Dr. Tanova also added that as a state university, EMU attaches special importance to community services alongside with academic and scientific involvement. Putting forth that the issue of mediation is currently in practice in Turkey and has recently become a point of interest in the TRNC, Prof. Dr. Tanova highlighted the importance of conducting a careful analysis of how mediation will be applied. Wishing all participants a productive event, Prof. Dr. Tanova also thanked all those who contributed to the event.
Following the opening addresses, the first session took place under the leadership of EMU Law Faculty academic staff member Prof. Dr. Turgut Turhan. The following presentations took place during the first session: ‘Development of Mediation in Turkey and the Present Condition’ by the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Justice, Mediation Department President Judge Hakan Öztatar, ‘Mediation in Business Disputes (as Cause of Action)’ by Ankara University Faculty of Law Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Levent Akın and ‘Development of Mediation and Future Perspectives’ by the Independent Mediators Association (BADER) President Atty. Mediator Dursun Yassıkaya .
During the second session, led by EMU Faculty of Law Faculty member Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kılıçoğlu, the following presentations took place: ‘Cases Eligible for Mediation’ by Ankara University Faculty of Law academic staff member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emel Hanağası, ‘Mediation Agreement Document and its Legal Characteristic’ by Ankara University Faculty of Law academic staff member Prof. Dr. Sema Taşpınar Ayvaz and ‘Mediatory Legal Exercises in TRNC’ by the Union of Cypriot Turkish Bar Association Atty. Hasan Esendağlı.
Attended by Famagusta District Court President Bahar Saner, senior judges, EMU Faculty of Law academic staff members and students, the event ended with the presentation of plaques of appreciation to participants by Prof. Dr. Gürkanlar.