CIU-Cyprus and Mediterranean Studies Center continue to contribute with research activities

The Cyprus and Mediterranean Studies Center (CYPMED), which is located within the Cyprus International University (CIU), continues to perform scientific work that focuses on Cyprus and the Mediterranean, and the work performed in this area continue to bring together students of CIU with academicians.

Stating that the center focuses on Cyprus and the Mediterranean area, particularly within the framework of the disciplines of political science, international relations, and economy, the center’s Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sertaç Sonan stated that their main aim was to share developments and efforts, especially in relation to Cyprus, via the means of discussion panels with guest researchers and bureaucrats.

Sonan continued, “For example, last May, immediately after the Geneva 5+1 unofficial Cyprus Conference, we hosted retired ambassador Osman Ertuğ, who was present at the meetings; with him we debated what was discussed at the conference, and the potential developments that may be experienced in future meetings”.

Advising that as the Center, they organized online events due to the disruption of face-to-face activities due to the pandemic, Sonan continued to say, “We spoke to former member of the Negotiating Board, Dr. İpek Borman, in relation to the role of women at the negotiating table, and we spoke to Greek Cypriot academic Dr. Gregoris Ioannou, in relation to his recently published book, 'Denktas in the South: Normalization of Separation on the Greek Cypriot Side', in the Turkish, English, and Greek languages.

Highlighting that along with doctoral students Ebru Küçükşener and Enis Porat, they presented the findings of their studies on political culture and political participation within the country, which they carried out together, in various international and national platforms, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sonan emphasized that they will continue to carry out similar studies from now on.

Stating that as the center they aim to be part of larger projects with different collaborations, Sonan added that in the future they plan to establish an academic archive and information center with a focus on Cyprus.