Strong Attendance at Girne University’s Academic Year Opening Ceremony
Girne University (GU) officially launched the 2025–2026 Academic Year with a grand and vibrant ceremony held on its campus. The event attracted distinguished guests from the judiciary, academia, and the maritime sector. Among the honored attendees were President of the Supreme Court and keynote lecturer for the Opening Lesson, Mr. Bertan Özerdağ; Near East Organization Board of Trustees Member and Chairperson of Girne University Board of Trustees, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cemre Günsel Haskasap; and Near East Organization Board of Trustees Member and Girne University Board of Trustees Member, Dr. Enver Haskasap.
Rectors from Near East University, Girne American University, and the University of Kyrenia were also present. As an institution strongly associated with maritime education, the ceremony welcomed the Director General of the Cyprus Turkish Coast Safety and Salvage Administration, as well as the Port Presidents of Kyrenia and Famagusta. The university administration also attended in full, including the Vice Rectors, Secretary General, Chief Physicians, Deans, Institute Director, Vocational School Directors, Associate Deans, Department Chairs, all academic staff, and a large number of students—collectively sharing the excitement of the new academic year.
The ceremony began with a moment of silence and the National Anthem in memory of the Great Leader Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Turkish Cypriot community leaders Dr. Fazıl Küçük and Rauf Raif Denktaş, and all martyrs. This was followed by a musical performance by members of the Girne University Music Club: Okan Kayralcı, Aras Seyfinejat, İlker Başbuğ, and Arda Özkök.
Prof. Dr. İlkay Salihoğlu: “We Walk Toward the Future Guided by Science”
Girne University Rector, Prof. Dr. İlkay Salihoğlu, began his speech by extending his best wishes for the new academic year to the entire university community.
“As Girne University, we remain committed to educating the leaders of the future with an education philosophy that aligns with the demands of our era and is guided by science,” he stated.
Rector Salihoğlu emphasized that every new academic term represents a fresh beginning in the journey of serving knowledge, science, and humanity:
“Our aim is to educate students not only as competent professionals, but also as individuals grounded in ethical values and dedicated to serving humanity.”
Intern Dr. İrem Uygur: “Girne University Taught Us to Serve Humanity”
Sixth-year medical student Intern Dr. İrem Uygur highlighted both the challenges and significance of the medical profession in her speech:
“Throughout the past six years, we have learned not only medical knowledge, but also patience, empathy, and the true value of touching human lives,” she said.
“Girne University Faculty of Medicine has taught us not just a profession, but the deeper purpose of serving humanity.”
Rising Stars of Science Award Brings Pride to Girne University
Following the opening speeches, faculty members who achieved distinguished international success received their awards.
Prof. Dr. Mehdi Shahedi Asl, who ranked first in Cyprus and 42nd globally in the “Rising Stars of Science 2025” ranking, was presented with a plaque and certificate of appreciation by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cemre Günsel Haskasap, Member of the Near East Organization Board of Trustees and Chairperson of the Girne University Board of Trustees.
Additionally, faculty members Prof. Dr. Akbar Abbasi and Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Uzunboylu, who were listed among the “World’s Top 2% Scientists” in the study jointly conducted by Elsevier and Stanford University, received their plaques from Dr. Enver Haskasap, Member of the Near East Organization Board of Trustees and Girne University Board of Trustees.
Board of Trustees Member Dr. Enver Haskasap: “Education Is the Heart of Everything We Build”
Speaking at the 2025–2026 Academic Year Opening Ceremony, Near East Organization Board of Trustees Member and Girne University Board of Trustees Member, Dr. Enver Haskasap, emphasized the central role of education within their institutional structure and shared upcoming investment plans.
Dr. Haskasap described academic year openings as “the renewed beginning of the journey toward knowledge, research, and service to humanity.”
Girne University: A Valued Part of a Larger Whole
Highlighting that the Near East Organization is a large family operating in healthcare, science, culture, and technology, Dr. Haskasap noted:
“Yet at the core of this entire structure lies EDUCATION. Girne University is one of the most valuable components of this family.”
He stated that the university, which emerged from challenging conditions, has now become one of the leading institutions in the country and that this success is the result of collective effort. As the Board of Trustees, he emphasized their firm commitment to advancing this success even further.
New Investments on the Way
Dr. Haskasap also announced several upcoming campus developments:
“I am pleased to share that our indoor sports hall will soon be opened. Additionally, new classrooms and modern amphitheaters are planned for construction.”
Expressing gratitude to Supreme Court President Mr. Bertan Özerdağ for delivering the opening lecture, Dr. Haskasap concluded by extending his thanks to all academic staff, students, and guests, wishing everyone a successful academic year.
Academic Promotions Celebrated
During the ceremony, faculty members who received academic titles in the 2024–2025 academic year were honored with certificates.
Promoted to Professor:
Prof. Dr. Eser Gemikonaklı (Department of Computer Engineering)
Promoted to Associate Professor:
Dr. Mustafa Behçet Şimşek (Pediatrics)
Dr. Gizem Kodak (Maritime Business and Management)
Dr. Nadir Serin (Aircraft Engineering)
Promoted to Assistant Professor:
Dr. Betül Yıkıcı
Dr. Olasile Babatunde Adedoyin
Dr. Aziz Çalışkan
Certificates were presented by Prof. Dr. Candan Özoğul.
Opening Lecture: Justice and Social Responsibility
At the end of the ceremony, Supreme Court President Mr. Bertan Özerdağ delivered the Opening Lecture titled “Justice and Social Responsibility.” His speech offered inspiring insights on law, justice, and civic duty.
“Justice Begins in the Conscience Before the Courtroom”
Emphasizing that justice is not limited to written laws, Özerdağ stated:
“Justice becomes permanent only when it lives in the conscience of society. The essence of law is to serve humanity; no legal system is complete if it does not protect human dignity.”
Highlighting that social responsibility is the foundation of democracy and the rule of law, he told students:
“Knowledge alone is not enough; it must be combined with ethical values. Justice gains true meaning only when supported by conscience.”
Speaking directly to law students, he concluded:
“Justice is not merely a profession; it is a principle of life. Its sustainability depends on the moral integrity of those who defend it.”
Rector Prof. Dr. İlkay Salihoğlu presented Mr. Özerdağ with a commemorative plaque following his lecture.
Ceremony Concluded with Reception
At the end of the event, faculty members who received academic titles during the 2024–2025 academic year were once again congratulated with certificates.
The ceremony concluded with a reception where participants celebrated the start of the new academic year.