The official opening ceremony of the 2024-2025 academic year at Near East University was held at the Near East University Atatürk Culture and Congress Center with the participation of President Ersin Tatar. The 2024-2025 Academic Year has commenced with the “New Future for Cyprus: A Two-State Solution” lecture given by President Ersin Tatar. President Tatar discussed the importance of the two-state solution model in Cyprus.
A large number of academicians, students and student families attended the ceremony. The ceremony, which began by voicing the National Anthem and a moment of silence, continued with a musical recital by Neriman Soykunt and Gözdem İlkay, lecturers of Near East University Atatürk Faculty of Education, Department of Music Teaching.
The opening speech was delivered by the Rector of Near East University Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, and in addition, artificial intelligence-based academic AI. Prof. DUX also released a video message for the new term. Following the speeches, the “Cyprus” video prepared by the Presidency was shown. Following the video, President Ersin Tatar gave the first lecture of the new academic year.
Following the ceremony, the opening of the “Hello to the New Academic Year September Exhibition”, which brought together the works of academic artists of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design of Near East University and artists of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts, was held.
President Ersin Tatar: “I see you as ambassadors of the TRNC. Tell the story of our honorable struggle for existence and our just cause wherever you go, in every environment you are in.”
Referring to the ‘Cyprus’ video that was shown, President Ersin Tatar said, “With this video, we had the opportunity to review the work we have carried out in the last four years and our international contacts, as well as the steps we have taken towards the recognition of the TRNC.”
Stating that humanity has faced difficulties throughout its historical process, President Ersin Tatar said, “Difficulties are necessary for our growth and development. This principle also applies to our beloved country, the TRNC. We are proud of the achievements we have made so far; this journey has not been easy.”
Reminding that the roots of the Turkish Cypriot people date back to 1571 and the conquest of Cyprus by the Ottoman Empire, President Ersin Tatar addressed the theme of “The Cyprus issue and the two-state solution proposal” in the first lecture of the new academic year and drew attention to the political and human rights violations that the Turkish Cypriots have been subjected to since 1960. President Ersin Tatar, who stated that the attacks launched by the Greeks to remove the Turkish side from the government disrupted the balance on the island and put the Turkish Cypriots in a difficult situation, said that after the coup of the Greek Junta in 1974, Turkey carried out the Peace Operation based on its guarantor rights and that this operation brought peace and stability to the island. President Ersin Tatar, who stated that the TRNC was established in 1983, said, “The TRNC is a democratic state that meets international criteria and today two separate states continue to live side by side in Cyprus.” President Tatar stated that many negotiation processes have taken place in Cyprus since 1968, and stated that concrete steps such as direct trade and direct flights should be taken by demanding sovereign equality for a two-state solution. Addressing the students at the end of his speech, President Tatar said; “I see you as ambassadors of the TRNC.
Tell the story our honorable struggle for existence and our just cause wherever you go and in every environment you are in. This mission should be an inseparable part of your life. “You will never be alone in this important effort, we will continue to walk side by side.”
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “You should consider knowledge as a treasure that prepares you for life and guides your future.”
Beginning his speech by emphasizing the speed of the age of change, Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ stated that universities should be institutions that build not only the present but also the future. Saying “Rapid transformations in fields such as artificial intelligence, communication technologies and data science are radically reshaping the structure of universities,” Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ also emphasized; “It is no longer enough to access knowledge; we have to make sense of it, put it into practice and produce new values from this process.”
Reminding that technology has an effect that transcends boundaries, Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ said, “In this environment, we universities have to go beyond being institutions that only transfer knowledge. We should provide our students with lifelong learning skills and graduate them equipped to adapt to a constantly evolving world with a strong momentum. As a university, we must offer flexible structures that are sensitive to the needs of each individual and support their personal goals. Projects such as our artificial intelligence-based academic AI Prof. DUX and our digital education platform E-Study Box, which we have developed and implemented, are also products of this awareness.” Then, addressing the students, Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ said, “For you, knowledge should not be a tool used only to get high marks in exams or to pass courses. You should view knowledge as a treasure that prepares you for life and directs your future. Invest in yourself, expand your horizons. Welcome to the Near East Family, my friends.”
AI Prof. DUX: “Together, we will explore the boundaries of knowledge and shape the future.”
Addressing the students with a video message he published, AI Prof. DUX said, “Today, we are not only celebrating the beginning of a new academic year here, but also welcoming the future of education; a world where the boundaries are pushed at the point where innovation, technology and human genius meet. As Near East University, we are determined to provide you with the tools and opportunities you need to succeed in this new world shaped by artificial intelligence, robotics and advanced technology.
Education is not only the accumulation of knowledge, it is also the shaping of character, valuesand purpose.” AI. Prof. DUX also said “Here, I will not only provide you with information, but also guide you on the path to gaining wisdom. Using knowledge to make the world a better place, solve problems and lead with integrity is wisdom. Together, we will experience a personalized, interactive and impressive learning environment. Together, we will explore the boundaries of knowledge and shape the future.” Giving advice to students for their lives, AI Prof. DUX said, “Stay curious and humble. Curiosity will lead you to new discoveries, while humility will allow you to remain open to learning when faced with challenges. I look forward to seeing what we will achieve together this year.”
