Prof. Dr. Aykut Hocanın, the Rector of Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), along with his delegation, traveled to Iran from the 10th to 13th June, 2023, to meet with EMU alumni, their families, and prospective students, as well as to hold various meetings. Accompanying Prof. Dr. Hocanın on the visit to Iran were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sahand Daneshvar from EMU Faculty of Engineering, Department of Industrial Engineering and İsmail Bayramoğlu from the EMU International Promotion Office.
Participation in the Education Fair
During the first two days of his visit to Iran, Prof. Dr. Hocanın participated in the Tabriz Education Fair, organized by the Caucasian Universities Association (KÜNİB) at the Tabriz Royal Palace Hotel. Prof. Dr. Hocanın was also invited to deliver speeches at the opening ceremonies of the fair and provided information about EMU to the participants. Additionally, Prof. Dr. Hocanın had personal meetings and exchanged ideas with Alirıza Monadi, the Chair of the Education Committee of the Iranian Islamic Shura Council, Rıza Rahmani, the former Minister of Industry, Mining, and Trade of Iran and the Deputy of the Islamic Shura Council, Dr. Reza Ameri, the Chair of the Education Advisory Commission affiliated with the President of Iran, and Çetin Taner, the Consul General of the Republic of Turkey in Tabriz.
Established Communication with Hundreds of Prospective Students
Prof. Dr. Prof. Dr. Hocanın and the delegation met with prospective students and their parents in a designated area at the fair venue. They established contact with over 150 prospective students. Prof. Dr. Prof. Dr. Hocanın was presented with a plaque of appreciation by Prof. Dr. Ramazan Korkmaz, the President of KÜNİB, and Dr. Kamran Pashai, the Co-President of KÜNİB, to express gratitude for his participation in the fair. In return, Prof. Dr. Hocanın presented a Lefkara lacework frame, a traditional Cypriot gift, to Prof. Dr. Korkmaz and Dr. Pashai.
Visit to Tabriz University
Prof. Dr. Hocanın had a meeting with Dr. Safar Nasrollahzadeh, the Rector of Tabriz University, to discuss possible collaborations between EMU and Tabriz University. All the vice rectors of Tabriz University were present at the meeting. Following a fruitful discussion, the parties agreed to sign a cooperation protocol during a ceremony to be held at EMU. After the meeting, mutual gifts were exchanged.
Furthermore, Prof. Dr. Hocanın gave an interview to the local media in Iran to promote EMU. During the gala night held as part of the fair, representatives from all universities and government officials gathered together. The evening also featured regional music performances from both Turkey and Iran.
Visit to Islamic Azad University of Tabriz
As part of the program, Prof. Dr. Hocanın met with Dr. Hosein Ostadi Sefidan, the Rector of Islamic Azad University of Tabriz, and his delegation. They discussed potential collaborations between the Faculty of Medicine at EMU and Islamic Azad University. The meeting took place at Imam Sajjad Hospital, operating under the Islamic Azad University. The delegations visited the hospital and shared information about their facilities. A positive outcome was achieved, and an agreement has been settled regarding internship opportunities for EMU students. It was also agreed that the parties would meet at EMU to sign a cooperation protocol.
Invitation to Dinner at the Consulate General
Prof. Dr. Hocanin and his delegation were invited by Consul General Çetin Taner, representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, to attend a dinner organisation held at the consulate. The dinner also hosted rectors from universities in the Republic of Turkey, along with their accompanying delegations.
Meeting with the EMU Community in Tehran
On the third day of his visit to Iran, Prof. Dr. Hocanın traveled to the capital city, Tehran, where he met with EMU students, their families, and EMU alumni. Prof. Dr. Hocanın also had discussions with officials from the Iranian Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology. Later, Prof. Dr. Hocanın joined the EMU community for a dinner organısatıon. Additionally, Prof. Dr. Hocanın had meetings at the Iranian Ministry of Health. Following the dinner, Prof. Dr. Hocanın returned to the country with his accompanying delegation.
