Near East Yeniboğaziçi Nursery, Kindergarten, Primary School and College are ready for the new term education on September 14th. The Near East Preschool, Near East Primary School and Near East College, which carried 42 years of experience to the Famagusta region with their unmatched modern education and infrastructure, are ready for education on September 14 with the decision of the Ministry of National Education. In the statement made by the Near East College, it was announced that the Near East College campus, which was completely built in Yeniboğaziçi, had cleaning activities and physical arrangements, classes were organized in line with the measures and requirements of social distance against coronavirus, the necessary hygiene conditions were completed and that they will start face-to-face training on Monday, September 14, 2020. Near East Yeniboğaziçi Campus, which will meet the need for best possible education to the Famagusta region, is located in a social and safe campus built with the latest educational technologies, and will provide English language education from pre-school to high school, bilingual education, third foreign language education and train intellectuals who speak foreign languages, and raise individuals who can think creatively. Bilingual Education at Near East Preschool and Second Foreign Language French… At the Near East Preschool, which started foreign language education from the very early eage, with the “Bilingual” education application carried out in cooperation with Cambridge University Press, Turkish and English lectures will be taught simultaneously by a Turkish kindergarten teacher and a kindergarten teacher whose mother tongue is English. In order to introduce students to different cultures and languages at an early age, French is also included in the education curriculum as a second foreign language. At the Near East Primary School, as a result of the curriculum studies conducted with Cambridge University, Mathematics, Science and Computer courses will be taught in English with the Cambridge International Primary program. Laboratories equipped with the latest technology… Near East College Yeniboğaziçi campus classrooms have been equipped with contemporary technological equipment that can provide interactive education, and physics-chemistry and biology laboratories, computer laboratories, science workshops, library, painting, music, dance and other art activity rooms, multi-purpose show and meeting halls, as well as the open sports areas and dining halls to provide training and a social environment in a privileged campus. In addition to laboratories, practical lesson activities will be carried out in all classrooms with smart boards, audio and visual equipment. Ertan Aligüllü: “Near East College Yeniboğaziçi campus, of which construction has been completed, will start education on September 14…” Expressing that they are happy to carry the privilege of being a student at Near East Pre-School, Near East Primary School and Near East College to the Famagusta region, Near East College Secondary Education Head of Education Ertan Aligüllü said that the cleaning and arrangement of the Near East College Yeniboğaziçi campus was completed and they are ready to start education on September 14th. Reminding that they previously announced that they would start training activities on September 1, Aligüllü noted that they will start education on September 14, in line with the decision taken by the Ministry of National Education within the scope of effectively fighting against the Covid-19 outbreak. Stating that they will start the new education and training year with excitement and pride, Aligüllü said, “We have closely followed the entire process since the construction started. We have created a physically complete campus to fully implement our innovative education models. We have built a very special and beautiful campus that houses a kindergarten, primary school and secondary school. Near East College Yeniboğaziçi campus, where cleaning and classroom arrangements have been completed, will provide a complete education, taking into account all hygiene rules. We will continue on our way by making our children adopt intellectual knowledge through the technology-oriented education curriculum, foreign language education, social education, academic education, art-sports education, where various methods are applied.”

Near East University, which was preferred by 2105 new students in line with the 2020 YKS preference results, became the most preferred university among Northern Cyprus Universities. According to the statement made by the Rectorate of the Near East University, 2105 new students gained the right to enroll, with an increase of 15% compared to last year in the number of students who preferred and gained the right to enroll Near East University. In the statement, which stated that there was a general increase in the number of students who preferred TRNC universities this year, it was emphasized that Near East University ranked first for receiving the highest number of students in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, according to YKS placement results. Near East University is the most preferred university among the Cyprus Universities. According to the results of the 2020 YKS, a total of 8636 students, 6445 of which are undergraduate and 2191 are associate degrees, have been placed in TRNC universities. According to the 2020 YKS placement results, with 2105 students, Near East University took the first place and became the most preferred university in the TRNC. Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: The results are an indicator of trust in Near East University. Expressing his satisfaction with the results, Vice-Rector of Near East University Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ stated that due to the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the world, all sectors have been affected, TRNC’s success in this field has exceeded the borders of the country and naturally, the title of “Safe Island” has been added to the “University Island” title that it previously held. Underlining that the fact that the most preferred university in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is again the Near East University, said that this is an indicator of the trust in Near East University, and Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ added, “We gave a good test as a country during the Covid 19 pandemic. All stakeholders of higher education, especially the support of the Ministry of National Education and Culture and the “Student-Friendly Island” project prepared had a great impact on these results. Our Minister of National Education, Mr. Nazım Çavuşoğlu, made a great contribution to this process with both the work he carried out before the Higher Education Council and the Student-Friendly Island project. On this occasion, we would like to thank our minister ”. Students entitled to enroll in Near East University can do so between 31 August and September 4 at the Registration Office of Near East University or at the representatives in Turkey. Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ thanked the students who preferred Near East University and wished a successful educational life at Near East University, the university of firsts.

Near East University Turkish Language Teaching Department faculty members Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Yeniasır and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Burak Gökbulut have written an article titled “Drinks from Zivania to Coffee and Their Socio-Cultural Functions in Turkish Cypriot Culture “ which was published in the journal of Turkish Studies at Selcuk University, which was scanned by national and international indexes such as ULAKBIM, Web of Science, MLA, and ASOS. According to the information given by the Press and Public Relations Directorate of Near East University, the research conducted by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Yeniasır and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Burak Gökbulut revealed that the formation of Turkish Cypriot cuisine culture and the widely consumed coffee and alcoholic beverages among the Turkish Cypriots became an important element in social life. It was stated in the study that the island of Cyprus has been the living center of many civilizations since the early ages of history, so it has been shaped under the influence of many different cultures until today, and it was noted that the Turkish Cypriots prepared the ground for the formation of a Mediterranean Cuisine culture of their own. The socio-cultural structure of Anatolia has an effect on the basis of eating and drinking culture… In the study, which includes the information that the arrival of Turkish cuisine culture to the island dates back to 1571, the families settled on the island with the resettlement policy implemented by the Ottoman State brought all their lifestyles, eating and drinking cultures, and many drinks consumed in the north of Cyprus today. It was stated that it is possible to claim that that the socio-cultural structure of Anatolia is effective on the formation of food and beverage culture. The study emphasized that the influence of Arab culture on the Turkish Cypriot culinary culture is undeniable, as well as the British and Greek influence in the cuisine culture of the Turkish Cypriots. It was stated in the study that the Turkish influence on the Greek culture is quite high, and all these interactions set the ground for the formation of a Mediterranean cuisine culture of the Turkish Cypriots today. Coffee and alcoholic beverages have become an important part of social life… The study, which included eating and drinking activities among the Turkish Cypriots and which was shaped according to a certain etiquette, were generally carried out in a certain community in social settings, and it was revealed that especially the coffee and alcoholic beverages, which were widely consumed among Turkish Cypriots, became an important part of social life, and part of the inter-human social relations. Catering tradition holds an important place in visiting… In the study, where tavern and coffee house culture was found out to be an indispensable element of social life among Turkish Cypriots, it was found out that many of the mentioned beverages were consumed in these places. In addition, it has been observed that neighborly relations are still alive in Northern Cyprus and a hospitality culture formed by the tradition of visiting especially among women plays an important role in terms of social relations. While some of the drinks, which are an important part of the social life in the Turkish Cypriot culture, are accepted and adopted as unique to the island (lemonade, instant coffee, milk tea, kefir), some drinks (rose milk, rose juice, sherbet, sumada) have sunk into oblivion with the influence of a more popular and dominant drinking culture today. It was emphasized that it is of great importance to include these drinks in the textbooks and to offer them in schools, especially in order to keep the drinks in question alive.

Near East University’s long-distance swimmer Doğukan Ulaç is participating for the fifth time in the Bosphorus Intercontinental Swimming Race, which is regarded as the “World’s Best Open Water Swimming Organization”, where he previously won the championship. National Swimmer Osman Akkuş, who is the coach of Doğukan Ulaç, will also participate in the organization, which hosts more than 2400 participants from 58 countries. According to the information given by the Press and Public Relations Directorate of Near East University, the 32nd Samsung Bosphorus Intercontinental Swimming Race will be broadcast live at TRT Spor 2 on Sunday, August 23, 2020, at 10:00. Strict measures were taken in line with the recommendations of national and international health organizations due to COVID-19, and the race will be held without an audience this year. Doğukan Ulaç, who became the General Classification Champion in the race he participated in in 2018, will swim for the championship again in the race which he participated for the fifth time. National swimmer Osman Akkuş, who has achieved numerous successes and records in swimming so far, is also participating in the race for the 28th time. The race, where swimmers will swim between Asia and Europe, will take place through the 6.5 km Kanlıca-Kuruçeşme (Cemal Topuz Park) track. Doğukan Ulaç: “I am excited as I am aiming the championship in a unique and challenging fight …” Doğukan Ulaç, a long-distance swimmer who will challenge to thousands of swimmers from around the world and expressed his excitement to participate in one of the world’s leading open water swimming organizations for the fifth time, said that his goal is swimming for the championship. Expressing that he wants to achieve success by turning the experiences he gained in the past years into an advantage, Ulaç said, “First of all, it is a great honor to be a swimmer in such a great organization that contributes greatly to the promotion of both our country and Near East University. Together with my trainers, I got prepared for the race with an intense training program including double training a day. Using my previous experience in the race, I want to complete the race by swimming smoothly against the current. I would like to thank my coaches, who have worked hard on me, to my family for their support and also to Near East University for giving me this chance ”. Memhet Gürcenk: “We have prepared for the race in discipline in the best possible way…” Swimming Coach Mehmet Gürcenk said that they prepared for the swimming marathon, one of the biggest and most important open water organizations in the world, with an intense training program for three months. Stating that they had to take a long break from routine swimming training due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but they have made use of the last 3 months most efficiently, Gürcenk stated that they trained 6 hours a day, including double training every day. Stating that Doğukan Ulaç is a disciplined and exemplary athlete, Gürcenk said, “Doğukan is an extraordinary athlete who trains seriously despite his young age. He allocates 6 hours each day for training. For the intercontinental race, we trained in the sea as well as in the pool. Osman Akkuş, who is our national swimmer and has great experience in swimming, guides Doğukan on the strategy of using his skills correctly and how to make decisions in the waters of the Bosphorus. In 2018, we won the general classification. Doğukan, who could not reach the championship goal because he changed his swimming route last year, said that this year he benefited from his experience in the previous year and will swim to the championship in the difficult race without deviating from his route. Osman Akkuş: “We are aiming for the General Classification First Place …” Osman Akkuş, who is a strategic and guide coach for the national swimmer and Doğukan Ulaç, said that they are experienced and their goals are by far to be the winner of the General Classification. Reminding that he will also swim the Bosphorus for the 28th time, Akkuş stated that he wants to reach to a total of 30 years in this race and said that he believed that they would reach the championship they aimed by transferring their experience of so many years to Doğukan Ulaç. Assoc. Dr. Atamtürk: “We wholeheartedly support our athlete …” Near East University Health, Culture and Sports Department Head Hakan Atamtürk wished success to their swimmer Doğukan Ulaç and National Swimmer Osman Akkuş. Stating that it is the dream of many people to swim across the Bosphorus, but this is not an easy task, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hakan Atamtürk said, “It is pleasing to take place in the event as a Turkish Cypriot, an event which is regarded as the best open water swimming organization in the world and hosts thousands of swimmers. Our swimmer, together with his trainers Mehmet Gürcenk and Osman Akkuş, trained thoroughly and prepared for the race. We are confident that it will be shown once again that Near East University has achieved significant success in the swimming branch. We wish success to our swimmers.”

Students of Özay Günsel Children’s University, the first and only Children’s University of our country, conferred upon their diplomas with a ceremony and graduated from the 2019-2020 Summer Academic Term. Özay Günsel Children’s University Summer Term Graduation Ceremony held with the participation of families, Özay Günsel Children’s University Chairman of the Board of Trustees Anna Günsel, Özay Günsel Children’s University Rector Prof. Dr. Filiz Meriçli, Vice-Rectors of Near East University, faculty members and students at the Near East University Atatürk Culture and Congress Center Grand Hall. At the ceremony, which started with a moment of silence and the singing of the Turkish National Anthem, a video was shown about the activities of the students during the education period of Özay Günsel Children’s University. At the ceremony, Özay Günsel Children’s University Rector Prof. Dr. Filiz Meriçli made a speech. The ceremony, where student groups had musical performances and performed shows, ended with the presentation of certificates and throwing the caps into the air. Prof. Dr. Filiz Meriçli: “Knowledge is the greatest power. We are working hard to raise entrepreneurial children who will evaluate information with imagination, create innovation and develop new products… “ Özay Günsel Children’s University Rector Prof. Dr. Filiz Meriçli speaking at the ceremony said that they were happy to complete the summer academic term successfully and happily. Prof. Dr. Meriçli said, “We are delighted to bring our children, whose schools were closed due to the coronavirus epidemic, and who were closed in at their homes between March and June, with a colorful and entertaining program in the fields of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics, by applying all health measures meticulously.” Expressing that students have carried out their programs in accordance with hygiene rules, Prof. Dr. Meriçli said that the students of the Earth, Sun and Galaxy group came together with scientists and artists at the faculties and laboratories of Near East University, conducted experiments, asked what they were curious about, developed products through team works, studied on many scientific subjects, technology, engineering, such as artificial intelligence, and coding. She also added that students studied art and mathematics subjects by experimenting and having fun. Emphasizing that they have been working hard to educate students who will develop knowledge and new products with their vision, expressed her gratitude to Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Near East University Prof. Dr. İrfan Günsel, Özay Günsel Children’s University Board of Trustees Chairman Anna Günsel, faculty members and assistant teachers and Özay Günsel Children’s University working team for their supports and dedication. The shows were held… After the speech, Özay Günsel Children’s University World Group students sang the “Happy Child Song”. Solar group students also gave speeches containing messages about the environment, recycling and behavior patterns. Turkish and English songs sang by Galaksi group students. After the group shows, the certificate ceremony started. Certificates Presented… Graduation certificates were given to students who graduated. At the Graduation Ceremony, students who completed 200 credits at Özay Günsel Children’s University and qualified for Silver Certificate received their documents. Özay Günsel Children’s University Chairman of the Board of Trustees Anna Günsel presented the Silver Certificates, Özay Günsel Children’s University Founding Rector Prof. Dr. Filiz Meriçli presented the certificates of participation and the Bronze certificates. After the presentation of the documents, the students threw up their caps at the end of the ceremony.

“With the increase of air temperatures, the risk of heart diseases also increases, and accordingly, there is an increase in heart attack cases in the summer months. This situation is thought to be due to the increase in blood clotting rate together with fluid loss.” saying that the Head of the Cardiology Department of Near East University Hospital, Prof. Dr. Hamza Duygu, also stated that for this reason, healthy people should pay attention to fluid intake even during the summer months. Who is in the risk group for heart health in Summer? Noting that people with high blood pressure, heart failure, and congestion in their heart vessels are in the risk group for heart health during the summer months, Prof. Dr. Hamza Duygu suggested that people with a history of previous bypasses or stenting of their heart vessels should also be especially careful, as heart rate may increase due to fluid and salt losses caused by sweating caused by excessive heat and humidity. Heart attack risk increases in those who do not consume enough water in Summer… Referring to the effects of hot weather on patients suffering from heart problems, Prof. Dr. Hamza Duygu noted that extremely hot and humid weather creates an increased risk especially for cardiovascular patients, hypertension, and patients with heart failure. He stated that the most effective measure taken against heat by the body is sweating, the loss of salts and minerals as well as the fluids and electrolytes along with sweating, and the decrease in the blood volume circulating in the vessels may lead to a decrease in the blood volume that goes to the kidneys and thus to deterioration in kidney functions. Prof. Dr. Hamza Duygu continued his statements on the subject as follows; “The decrease in minerals such as potassium and magnesium, which are excreted from the body with sweating, can be the trigger of palpitations and life-threatening rhythm disorders, especially in heart patients. Patients with hypertension or heart failure, who use diuretic drugs, should pay attention to sufficient fluid intake. Otherwise, complaints such as weakness, fatigue and deterioration in kidney functions may occur. It may be necessary to rearrange the drug doses in consultation with the doctors of people with such complaints. In addition, in patients using calcium channel blocker blood pressure medication, ankle and leg swelling is more common cases in summer as a side effect of the medication. Precautions that can be taken to protect heart health during Summer Stating that there are precautions that even the healthy people should take to protect their heart health, Prof. Dr. Hamza Duygu listed the measures that can be taken as follows; Choose clothes made of light-colored fabrics that do not increase perspiration. Feeding should be in accordance with the Mediterranean diet where fruit and vegetable consumption is at the forefront. Considering the increase in daily fluid need, around 2-2.5 liters of fluid should be consumed daily. Considering that uncontrolled soda and mineral water consumption can increase blood pressure and increase heart failure complaints, excessive consumption should be avoided. You should not go out when the sun’s rays are steep, and you should go to the sea in the morning and evening on an empty stomach. Exercises should be done in the morning and evening.  Avoid swimming in very cold seas, pools and taking cold showers, as very cold water can disrupt blood flow by spasm in the veins.  When there are complaints such as chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, fainting, the nearest health institution should be consulted. Heart patients pay attention to these in hot Summer days! With the increase of air temperatures, Prof. Dr. Hamza Duygu, who also advised people with a history of cardiovascular disease to protect heart health, suggested that the patients should spend time in cool places as much as possible, avoid intense alcohol and caffeine consumption, and if complaints such as chest pain, shortness of breath and palpitations started, they should immediately apply to a health institution. Referring to the importance of blood pressure, Prof. Dr. Duygu strongly recommended that patients must have frequent blood pressure monitoring and re-arrange the drug doses by referring to their doctors in case of irregularity in blood pressure values. Prof. Dr. Hamza Duygu also reminded that sufficient amount of daily fluid consumption should be paid attention and diuretic medication doses should be rearranged with the doctor’s recommendation if necessary.

Near East University Hospital Ophthalmology Department Specialist Dr. Mustafa Taşeli stated that in the treatment of cataract, which manifests itself with symptoms such as gradual decrease in vision, sensitivity to light, glare, double vision, difficulty in reading, deterioration in night vision, fading in colors or yellowing, patients having Trifocal Intraocular Lenses do not have to use glasses for the remainder of their lives. Dr. Mustafa Taşeli; “If the cataract is not treated, complete vision loss occurs.” Dr. Taşeli pointing out that the most common cause of cataract, which is one of the eye diseases that causes vision loss in the world, is the blurring of the eye lens due to aging. Dr. Mustafa Taşeli stated that patients suffering from complaints such as a gradual decrease in vision, sensitivity to light, glare, double vision, difficulty in reading, deterioration in night vision, fading or yellowing in colors, frequent changes in the number of glasses should consult to a specialist. Stating that in the first period of the disease, there was usually a decrease in distance vision and improvement in near vision, Dr. Mustafa Taşeli said that in the latter process, vision decreased completely, and in cases where it was not treated, complete vision loss occurs. Dr. Mustafa Taseli; “The Trifocal Lenses we use during cataract surgery allow the patient to continue his life without glasses.” Saying that the only treatment method for cataracts that cannot be treated with glasses or medication is surgery, Dr. Mustafa Taşeli stated that the lens that became cloudy during the surgery was removed and replaced with a new lens. Dr. Mustafa Taşeli continued as follows: “The opacified lens, which lost its transparency is removed and replaced with the opacified lens through surgery and the patient can see better again. In previous years, since the lenses were not applied in the operations, the patients had to wear glasses with thick glass, ie approximately +10 number, after the operation. Today, we enable the patient to see far, near and middle distance without glasses with trifocal lenses placed on the patient’s eye during surgery. Monofocal intraocular lenses, on the other hand, provide a clear view of the distance and the near, usually without glasses or with glasses prescribed with very low numbers. Dr. Mustafa Taseli; “Today, no more waiting for the progress of the disease to have cataract surgery.” Stating that the cataract surgeries performed with old techniques previously had been delayed until the last stage, Dr. Mustafa Taşeli emphasized that surgery can now be performed without waiting for the cataract to progress until the last stage; “If the patient’s daily life is affected by cataracts, that is, if there is a limitation in daily life activities such as office work, driving a car, watching television, we perform the surgery without waiting for the disease to progress. In recent years, we have been able to make an early surgery decision to get rid of high spectacle numbers.” Dr. Mustafa Taseli; “Smart lenses provide the opportunity to see near, far and middle distance easily.” Also making statements about the lenses used in cataract surgeries, Dr. Mustafa Taşeli noted the following; “The Monofocal intraocular lens in the first group of lenses, which is divided into three different groups, is unifocal and allows the patient to see far. Close-up glasses must be used for near vision. Intraocular lenses in the second group are bifocal lenses and with the bifocal lenses, the patient can see both near and far without glasses, but cannot see clearly between 40 cm and 2 meters, which is defined as the middle distance. Trifocal intraocular lenses in the third group, which we call Smart Lens, have three focuses and are the lenses that solve this problem. With trifocal lenses, the patient can see the far, near and intermediate distance very well without glasses. In addition, it enables to see color difference clearly at all distances and to see uninterruptedly at distance transitions. Again, thanks to the lens feature, there is no glare or light scattering in night vision. The UV feature of the lens also protects the eyes from diseases that may occur against the harmful effects of sunlight.” Saying that news about trifocal lenses, popularly known as smart lenses, has been appearing on social media and in print media, Dr. Mustafa Taşeli stated that the reason why these lenses are popular is that they bring the quality of vision to the top. Dr. Mustafa Taşeli continued as follows: “Recently, the term ‘smart lens’ is used frequently in the media. Smart lens is a phrase used to describe trifocal lenses. As ophthalmologists, we do not use the term smart lens, we think it is more appropriate to use the term “Trifocal Intraocular Lens”. In our clinic, trifocal lenses called “Smart Lens” are used in appropriate cases during cataract surgeries. After the operation, these people can read books, use a computer and watch television without glasses. We decide which lens will be suitable for patients who will undergo cataract surgery by looking at some criteria of the eye.” Dr. Mustafa Taşeli; “Satisfactory results have been obtained in cataract surgeries with the new generation lenses” Saying that cataract surgery is usually a short-term surgery under local anesthesia, Dr. Mustafa Taşeli stated that after the surgery, the eye is closed in a sterile way and the patient is usually discharged immediately.” Dr. Mustafa Taşeli said, “The next morning, we start medical treatment with liquid medicine. A few days after the operation, the patient can return to work and continue his social activities from where he left off. As a result, promising results can be obtained in cataract surgeries with new generation lenses.”