CIU Partners with Nicosia Turkish Municipality

A cooperation protocol covering scientific, cultural, and educational fields has been signed between Cyprus International University (CIU) and Nicosia Turkish Municipality (NTM). Under the agreement, the two institutions will strengthen the exchange of knowledge and expertise and collaborate on research, education, culture, arts, and community development initiatives.
The protocol, which will be implemented through ARKHE, an initiative operating under NTM, includes supporting joint research projects, organizing scientific and cultural events, providing expert and researcher support, offering research and internship opportunities to students, and developing projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Speaking at the ceremony, Nicosia Turkish Municipality Mayor Mehmet Harmancı emphasized the important role universities play in the development of cities. He stated that combining academic knowledge with the practical capabilities of local governments produces valuable outcomes. Harmancı expressed his belief that projects in the fields of culture, arts, and urban memory would help establish strong connections between the city’s past and future, and thanked everyone who contributed to the realization of the protocol.
CIU Rector Prof. Dr. Erbuğ Çelebi highlighted that universities distinguish themselves not only through education and research but also through the benefits they provide to society. Stressing that social responsibility is one of the core missions of universities, Çelebi described the protocol as a concrete reflection of this understanding. He also noted that new projects in technology, artificial intelligence, healthcare, and various other disciplines could emerge through this partnership in the future.
ARKHE Director Halil Duranay spoke about the organization’s work in urban history, cultural heritage, and memory studies, emphasizing that academic support is crucial for ensuring the sustainability of such efforts. He noted that opening archival resources to researchers and making them more accessible through digital technologies are among ARKHE’s priorities, adding that collaboration with the university would make significant contributions toward achieving these goals.
CIU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Cem Tanova also higlighted the importance of supporting local cultural values while conducting international initiatives. Tanova stated that they believe the protocol will produce valuable outcomes for both the academic community and society at large.
Members of the CIU and LTB-ARKHE Cooperation Committee, who were involved in the preparation of the protocol, were also present at the ceremony. Representing CIU on the committee were Asst. Prof. Dr. Nezire Özgece, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dilan Çitçi, and Dr. Meray Taluğ; while İlkem Tunar, Bilgen Anayasa, and Nevin Taşarkan represented ARKHE.
The protocol aims to strengthen the sharing of knowledge and experience between the two institutions by conducting joint studies in scientific, cultural and social fields.