The “Strategic Importance of Eastern Mediterranean” symposium hosted by Eastern Mediterranean University and, organized by the International Academic, Social and Economic Relations Federation (USKEF) and the Internationhal Social, Cuştural and Academic Relations Association (USKAID) was held with the participation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus President Ersin Tatar, on Thursday, 27 February 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the Mustafa Afşin Ersoy Hall. The said symposium was moderated by the Association of Bureaucrats and Business People (TUMBIAD), High Supervisory Board Chairperson Can Çobanoğlu. Moreover, the project commission chair of the symposium was carried out by Republic of Türkiye Former State Minister Prof. Dr. Yüksel Yalova.
The symposium was attended by EMU Board of Trustee (VYK) President Dr. Erdal Özcenk, EMU Acting Rector and Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, Presidency Private Counsellor Gökhan Güler, Presidency Political Affairs Counsellor and Member of the VYK Anıl Kaya, EMU VYK Members Özgür Yuca, Servet Karabacak, Beyhan Gürgöze, İsmail Güneş Güneşoğlu, EMU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Salih Katırcıoğlu and Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu, EMU General Secretary Derviş Ekşici, faculty deans and many students.
“Proud to be organizing the Event at the Eastern Mediterranean University”
In his speech, the Chairperson of USKAID, Lawyer Selman Yaray, expressed their contentment in participating at the said symposium and provided information regarding USKAID. Lawyer Yaray highlighted that the symposium was the association’s inaugural international event and expressed pride in hosting it at EMU. He provided insights into the strategic position of the Eastern Mediterranean and mentioned that the topic would be thoroughly examined by various specialists during the symposium. Lawyer Yaray extended his gratitude to all those involved in the event, hoping it would contribute to a better understanding of the region’s strategic importance, and announced that the findings of the symposium would be shared with the public.
“A Meeting Point for Civilizations”
Chairperson of USKEF, Academic Umut Elbir also addressed the participants and explained that the event aimed to discuss the strategic importance of the Eastern Mediterranean and convey the region’s significant values. Elbir pointed out that the Eastern Mediterranean has historically been a meeting point for civilizations and a battleground for major powers, and that it remains central to global politics today. Elbir highlighted the importance of Cyprus’s geopolitical and strategic position, energy resources, and trade routes, stressing its value to Türkiye’s security and economic interests. Lastly, Elbir concluded by expressing his gratitude to the participants of the event.
“EMU is Always Open to Regional and International Cooperation”
EMU Acting Rector Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe stated that the symposium is a key platform for addressing the Eastern Mediterranean’s vital role in international relations, and emphasized the global importance of the region’s energy resources, maritime routes, and security. Prof. Dr. Karatepe conveyed that EMU, as the first state university of the TRNC, is always open to regional and international cooperation. He also mentioned that EMU’s 2030 vision focuses on sustainable growth, research, and developing innovative solutions. Prof. Dr. Karatepe concluded by stating that such events offer valuable insights for the future of the region and contribute to establishing collaborative foundations, expressing his gratitude to the participants.
“Island of Cyprus Located at a Critical Point”
Also delivering a speech at the event, TRNC President Ersin Tatar stressed the strategic location of Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean, providing information on the historical background of the island. President Tatar emphasized that Cyprus, with its significant ports and airports, is an essential part of the Eastern Mediterranean, noting that a large share of global trade passes through this region. President Tatar stated that Cyprus is strategically important in terms of land, energy resources, and maritime routes. Referring to the concept of “Blue Homeland”, Tatar highlighted that the TRNC is integral to these valuable assets and that Türkiye has consistently provided strong support. President Tatar also underscored the vital role of Türkiye’s guarantor status in ensuring regional peace and security, asserting that the TRNC’s presence in the Eastern Mediterranean is of great importance.
Following his speech, President Tatar was presented with a silver plate by USKAID Chairperson Lawyer Yaray, USKEF Chairperson Elbir and EMU Acting Rector Prof. Dr. Karatepe.
“To Present Different Perspectives on the Future of Eastern Mediterranean”
Delivering a speech after President Tatar, Acting Chair of Confederation of Bureaucrats and Business People (TUMBIKON) Erol Aykut noted that the Eastern Mediterranean is of great significance not just geographically, but also historically, politically, economically, and strategically, explaining that the upcoming symposium would cover important topics, including the region's economic potential, energy resources, trade routes, and its influential role in international relations. Aykut emphasized that various non-governmental organizations in the TRNC are working towards the region’s prosperity and development. Moreover, he expressed confidence that the symposium would present diverse viewpoints on the future of the Eastern Mediterranean and wished for the event’s success.
“A Strategic Power Center”
Chairperson of Confederation of Non-Governmental Organizations (TSTK) Hakan Gültekin shared information about the Eastern Mediterranean region and its areas of influence. Gültekin emphasized that the region’s geopolitical position has made it a strategic power center, with its location connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa, placing the Eastern Mediterranean at the center of global power struggles. Gültekin also pointed out that the surface and underground resources of the Eastern Mediterranean Basin could contribute to crises and conflicts in the area. Regarding Cyprus’s strategic location, he noted that it plays a crucial role in shaping the region's power dynamics, with efforts to control Cyprus continuing throughout history.
“A Bridge between the East and the West”
Turgay Deniz, President of the TRNC Chamber of Commerce, highlighted that the Middle East has long been a cradle of civilizations, making it a crucial region. He noted that the region’s strategic significance mainly stems from its role as a bridge between the East and West. Deniz mentioned that historical trade routes, such as the Silk Road and the Spice Route, have contributed to the Middle East's value over time. He also pointed out that, given the region’s history and current developments, safeguarding one’s own interests should be a top priority today. He concluded by stating that the important work being done will enhance perspectives and thanked the participants.
Important Topics Discussed
The sessions held as part of the symposium focused on important topics such as “The New Scientific Paradigm in a Changing World and the Evolving Concept of the State”, “Strategic Analysis and Future of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus within the Union of Turkish States”, “The Strategic Position and Importance of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”, “Changing Mediterranean Geopolitics After October 7” and “Possible Approaches of the USA to the Eastern Mediterranean in the New Era”.
Moderated by the Republic of Türkiye Former State Minister Prof. Dr. Yüksel Yalova, the first session featured presentations by the Chief Editor of the Journal of Global Strategic Management and Yıldız Technical University academic staff member Prof. Dr. Cemal Zehir, Prof. Dr. Soyalp Tamçelik and EMU Faculty of Business and Economics, Economics Department Chair Prof. Dr. Vedat Yorucu.
The second session which was moderated by TRNC Presidency Private Counsellor Gökhan Güler, consisted of presentations of Prof. Dr. Nurşin Ateşoğlu Güney from the National Intelligence Academy, EMU Faculty of Business and Economics academic staff member Prof. Dr. Kudret Özersay and former Special Representative of the TRNC Presidency Mustafa Ergün Olgun.
The symposium, coordinated by Arif Ekşi, came to a successful end with a plaque ceremony and a group photo after the sessions.