Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Theatre Community operating under the EMU Student Development, Events and Sports Affairs Directorate hosted Etimesgut Mayor and actor Erdal Beşikcioğlu at the third edition of the 4th ‘Duvar’ Workshop Days, organized to support the cultural and artistic development of students.
The event organized with the contributions of the Municipality of Famagussta that took place at Mustafa Afşin Ersoy Hall and was attended by EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, Famagusta Mayor Dr. Süleyman Uluçay, EMU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren and Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu, EMU General Secretary Derviş Ekşici, Deputy Mayor of Etimesgut Mutlu Kerimoğlu, Park Bahçeler Director Nihat Bayramoğlu and Building Control Manager Atilla Akyürek, many art-lovers and students.
Delivering a speech at the beginning of the event, Famagusta Mayor Dr. Süleyman Uluçay reminded everyone that Famagusta is the second largest city of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and also stated that EMU is the first and only state university of TRNC. Lastly, Dr. Uluçay wished for a joyful event.
“One of the Strongest Means”
Welcoming everyone attending the event, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Kılıç stated that art is the one of the strongest means of thinking, questioning and co-existing. He further emphasized that theatre is a very unique art form that portrays individuals and society from the stage, offering us the opportunity to reconsider ourselves and the world we live in. Emphasizing that the event was highly meaningful in demonstrating that theatre is not merely a performing art, but also a powerful medium capable of establishing strong connections with social responsibility, approaches to governance, and urban awareness, Prof. Dr. Kılıç expressed his pleasure in hosting Erdal Beşikcioğlu at EMU. In his speech, Prof. Dr. Kılıç stated, “Art is like a bird that needs two wings—art and science—to fly. If one is missing, the other cannot be effective. As we are together in a space where both are present, I hope this discussion will be an enjoyable experience”.
“I Felt at Home”
Following the opening speeches, a talk event moderated by Faculty of Engineering, Department of Computer Engineering student and EMU Theatre Community Executive Board member Polat Emence, was held with Beşikcioğlu who expressed his pleasure on being at EMU where he felt at home.
During the talk event titled “Bir Tiyatro Yönetmek, Bir Kent Yönetmek / Managing a Theater, Managing a City”, Erdal Beşikcioğlu shared his experiences on acting, stage discipline, and career journey. Highlighting the psychological demands placed on actors by long-running stage performances—particularly “Bir Delinin Hatıra Defreri / The Diary of a Madman”—Beşikcioğlu discussed the relationship between talent and sustained effort in acting, along with the difficulties encountered by emerging theater artists. Through widely recognized characters such as Recep Yazıcıoğlu and Behzat Ç., he examined the reasons flawed and wounded protagonists resonate so strongly with audiences. As the discussion progressed, Beşikcioğlu elaborated on his decision to pursue artistic production in Ankara, the founding vision of Tatbikat Sahnesi, and his perspectives on institutional frameworks in theatre and freedom of expression. Sharing insights from his dual experience as both an artist and a mayor, he also addressed the social responsibility of art, the role of local administrations in supporting culture and the arts, and his expectations for the future.
Attracting great attention, the event concluded with a question-answer session where Beşikcioğlu answered the questions of the participants. Then, Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç and Vice Rector for Student Affairs Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu presented a silver plate to Erdal Beşikcioğlu.
A Visit to Rector’s Office
Prior the talk event, Etimesgut Mayor and artist Erdal Beşikcioğlu paid a courtesy visit to Eastern Mediterranean University Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç. EMU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren and Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu, and Etimesgut Deputy Mayor Mutlu Kerimoğlu were present during the said visit.
During the meeting, Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç expressed their contentment on hosting Erdal Beşikcioğlu at EMU and, noted that the university attaches great importance to art and cultural activities, emphasizing that it organizes a wide range of events—from theater and music to exhibitions and workshops—to support students’ artistic development.
On the other hand, Erdal Beşikcioğlu also expressed his pleasure at being at EMU, emphasizing that the integration of art within universities plays a vital role in societal development, and expressed his gratitude to the EMU administration for its continued support of the arts. The visit concluded with Prof. Dr. Kılıç presenting Beşikcioğlu with a gift unique to Cyprus.