International Center Magazine Issue -2-

:2 ue Iss 07 20

International Center

g rin Sp

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN UNIVERSITY

ERASMUS IP

Spring School at EMU

Contents

Publisher: On behalf of Eastern Mediterranean University Rector

Prof. Dr. Halil Güven

3. University of Graz students visit EMU 6. Pakistan Day

4

Salime Mehtap-Smadi

8. My North Cyprus 10. Robotics Champions 11. EMU students say: ‘I DO’

Asst. Editor

Meryem Ezel

7

12. Home Sweet Home: Iran

Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr.

Majid Hashemipour

14. It’s just a game

Cartoonists

16. Campus News 18. Out and About: Mavi Köflk ‘Blue House’

Editor-in-Chief Asst. Prof. Dr.

Mert Bal Farnaz Pakdel

9

Layout Artist

Hüseyin Pekün Address: Eastern Mediterranean University Tel: +90 392 630 2444 international.center@emu.edu.tr http://ic.emu.edu.tr

Editorial

Dear Staff and Students, In this edition of our newsletter I want to reflect on my culture, the Turkish Cypriots; the carefree, sun worshipping citizens of the Mediterranean. Sometimes Middle Eastern, sometimes European and sometimes just plain Cypriot. We are ruled by our emotions, quick to laugh and just as quick to explode. Our generous hearts and appetites dictate that we welcome strangers with open arms and unbound hospitality. In addition to our wonderful characteristics, we also have a few irritating habits. For instance, we have no concept of time. Ask someone to do something for you and the answer is “Don’t worry , no problem” or “Insallah”. Does that mean they are going to do it? Or what? Does this mean today, tomorrow, next week, whenever....?

The definition of ‘deadline’ does not exist in our dictionaries. Tell someone 5 o’clock and that could mean anything between 5 to 5:59.When it comes to time, some of us also have problems with our numbers and seem to confuse 5 and 6!! Or even 7 for that matter!! It doesn’t matter that others are waiting for us. We waltz in late, don’t even bother to apologise for our tardiness, sit down and start talking to the person sitting next to us, as if nothing has happened. Suddenly we are deaf to all the people grumbling and complaining around us. (What do you expect from the citizens of a country where even the cats and dogs take their time when crossing the street; oblivious to cars, their frenzied drivers and the blaring noise of the car horn).

However, what really prompted me to write this editorial was a few memorable incidents that happened when I went abroad to Europe with my fellow kinsmen.

We are a nation that manages to conquer any country we go to.

Whoever said “ When in Rome, do as the Romans do” got it all wrong.

It should be “ When abroad , do as the Cypriots do!!!” We are the only nation that can go to one of the most civilized countries in Europe and wreck total havoc in their airports. Take a look at the departures lounge in the airport. Look at all the people neatly lined up in queues of two,

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15

Print: EMU Printing-house

slowly progressing towards the airline staff for check in. Now, look at the check in desk where we are standing. A queue that once upon a time was two neat lines, has suddenly turned into 8 haphazardly formed different lines that stick out in all directions! We are experienced hagglers.

Our sweet tongues trying to convince the airport staff that 35 kilos is still well within the baggage limits and with another 30 kilos stashed away in our hand luggage. We have an ongoing love affair with duty free stores, that has reached its peak with the introduction of credit cards. We are so hypnotized with our shopping crusade that some of us even forget where we are. By pure luck or by persistent calls over the airport loud speaker, we manage to remember where we are and just about find our way to the boarding gate. When we finally get to the gate, we are thankful to God that it wasn’t us standing in the bus, sweating for the past 45 minutes, while waiting to be taken to the plane.

As we climb the stairs to the plane, we think that the red faced pilot who is standing in the doorway and looking at his watch has blood pressure problems and we feel sorry for him. We climb aboard, fill the overhead cabins above our seat and also take complete control of the cabin bin space on our left and our right, telling others that it’s perfectly OK to store their bags under their seats.

We complain that the airplane is delayed, demand a blanket and pillow and give our fellow passengers a nasal concerto throughout the flight.

We applaud when the plane lands safely at Ercan, jump out of our seats while it is still taxiing down the runway and whip out our red “ European passports”, shoving in an attempt to make a quick dash to passport control.

We may have our red passports, we may consider ourselves to be European citizens but I guess that passports do not maketh the man, as Turkish Cypriotness is embedded in the very depths of our souls.

Asst.Prof.Dr.Salime Mehtap - Smadi

University of Graz students visit EMU

As part of the protocol signed

island. Students visited places of attrac-

historical sites, giving students the golden

between EMU and University of Graz

tion in the old town and surrounding

opportunity to see textbook theory in

(Austria), 19 students and one professor

Famagusta area, the Karpaz peninsula,

practice.

came to EMU to participate in a 10 day

Nicosia, Kyrenia and the archealogical

workshop that was organized by Assoc.

excavation site in Kaleburnu. Asst. Prof.

University, focuses on student exchange

Prof. Dr. Slobodan Ilic, Head of the

Dr. Jan Asmussen acted as the groups

and will start in September 2007. Graz

History Department.

tour guide and students were given infor-

University has invited six EMU students to

The

second

project

with

Graz

Graz students had the opportunity to

mation about the history of the places vis-

attend their university as exchange stu-

take classes with EMU History students

ited in both English and German. Mini

dents for either a semester or the whole

and to visit historical sites throughout the

workshops were also held at the various

academic year.

American exchange student My semester in Cyprus has been a very rewarding experience. I have met many great and helpful people, experienced a welcoming and kind culture, traveled to many interesting places, and taken a few wonderful courses. I could not have asked for a better place than Cyprus to have experienced all these wonderful things. The weather is beautiful, the food is delicious, the people are genuinely kind, and EMU has provided me with so many opportunities. I appreciate everything that the school has offered me, from the material I learned in my classes to the facilities available to students and to the people who helped me experience much that this part of the world has to offer. I am sad to go home because I consider Cyprus to be a big part of my life now, and to leave will be difficult.

Ellyn Mitowski - Central Connecticut State University

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Student Ambassadors Shine at the EMU International Night

It was like “walking into a celebration at the United Nations”. That’s how the CNN camera crew who were visiting North Cyprus described the night- completely surprised by the extent of multicultural diversity at our university. “We have been around the world” said the CNN Turk program director “nothing shocks us anymore, but your students really did. The world can take a few lessons from this place in terms of integration and tolerance towards ethnic and religious differences….”

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More than 600 EMU international students, staff and locals gathered at the Beach Club on Wednesday the 7th of March to celebrate “EMU International Night”. The ceremony was organized by the International Center and had the dual aim of displaying EMU’s multicultural heritage and welcoming new students to the EMU community.

The occasion was purely a cultural one, as students cooked their traditional dishes and wore their traditional regalia. A total of 21 different national dishes were cooked by EMU students and displayed at a long buffet table for guests to enjoy. The students who had spent a good part of the day slaving over the hot stoves of the Beach Club kitchen, helped to serve the dishes to the guests, giving them a chance to explain about their national dishes to those who were interested.

Fried Cabbage from Cameroon, Beef and Vegetable Noodles from China, Fried Rice and Chicken Stew from Nigeria, Magloube from Jordan, Curry from India, Zereshk Polo from Iran, Fried Chicken and Coleslaw from the USA , Pakistani Biryani and wonderful Azeri baklava were just a few of the tempting dishes presented that night.

Activities that marked the evening included a “Makossa” dance from Africa. This is actually a dance from Cameroon, but , it was amazing how students from other African countries like Nigeria danced it so well. We also had traditional folk dances from North Cyprus and the Aegean region in

Beach Club also had the chance to view cul-

Nigeria. That night, every student was truly

Turkey. The Famagusta Municipality Folk

tural exhibits on display at different stands at

an honorary ambassador of his/her coun-

Dance Team, performed a dance that

the entrance. A mini fashion parade of dif-

try.

depicted traditional scenes from a Turkish

ferent national costumes and a competition

The night wound down with a live DJ

Cypriot wedding celebration and harvest

to choose the best dressed EMU student also

playing the lastest dance hits from all cor-

times in the villages.

took place. The crowds cheered as the best

ners of the world. It’s no wonder that at the

The Beach Club was decorated in the

female costume of the night was awarded to

end of the night, none of the students want-

flags of the 68 different countries that are

a student from Pakistan and the best male

ed to go home.

represented at EMU. Guests entering the

costume was awarded to a student from

Lem Helvesia

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Pakistan Day

March 23rd, known as Pakistan Day, is an occasion observed to commemorate the passage of the famous resolution of the “All India Muslim League” in Lahore in 1940. This was when a demand for a separate independent state for the Muslims of South Asia was made.

Every year, Pakistani students at EMU celebrate this day at the Beach Club by introducing this national holiday event, through exhibitions of cuisine, culture, slide shows, fashion and dance.This special evening is known as “Pakistan Night”.

This year, the biggest hit of the night was the Fashion and Dance show. This show was organized, directed and designed by Shama K. Hussain with the cooperation of the EMU Fashion Club president Ruyam Karaca and its lovely members. The Pakistani dances of “Dandiya” and “AnarKali” were also performed. Dandiya is a social dance, where couples dance with sticks. AnarKali is a legendary slave girl from the Mughal period. She was supposedly ordered to be buried alive by Mughal emperor Akbar for having an illicit relationship with Prince Salim. A beautiful Pakistani dance was performed by Ruyam ( who coincidently is of Turkish origin) with great expertise and grace. Her dance turned out to be the highlight of the evening causing a standing ovation amongst the guests. There were 350 guests from various nationalities (students,faculty and locals) whose hands could not stop clapping throughout the show. Guests were served a traditional Pakistani dinner of Biryani, Roast and Halva.

Kashif HUSSAIN

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PhD Student

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH CNN Before I begin I would like to say that no matter how glamourous the world of TV looks from the outside, it is alot of hardwork behind the scenes. Yes hardwork, goof ups, re-takes, unexpected surprises and tragic-comic events that leave you with tears of laughter streaming down your face.

My current boss (the Vice Rector for Promotion and International Affairs Majid Hashemipour) took one look at me and said “Your just the man I am looking for!” I didn’t like the shine in his eyes, but, I waited for him to continue...praying to God that he wasn’t planning on sending me to the airport at five in the morning or some remote village on the other side of the island in search of news. He said “ CNN Turk have a big project they want to film at EMU. Your job is to coordinate it and make sure you get the logistics right!” I was shocked for words. Yes, I must admit that I do tend to be a jack of all trades. I can cook, do the odd plumbing, even some electrical work, I love to tinker with car engines, I am not shy to grab a microphone and talk in front of a crowd, I even babysit if I have to but.....I am a couch patatoe! That’s as far as my TV experience goes. What do I know about filming with a professional crew????

Oh well, a job is a job, so I rolled up my sleeves, said a silent prayer and got down to work. CNN wanted to do a 45 minute show on a day in the life of Tony Angostiniodis who is an expert in peace journalism and who teaches in the Faculty of Communication at EMU. Tony is a Greek Cypriot, who was ostracized by his own people for producing a documentary on some of the atrocities committed by Greek Cypriots during the 1974 war. His documentary focused on the mass graves in the village of Murataga and Sandallar. With the help of Dr. Onur Eroglu, we came up with a tenative scenario which was sent to the program’s producer Güven ‹slamo¤lu for approval. There are so many small details to think about when filming a show. Everything has to run like clockwork and there are so many people and so many places to cover. By the time the day of the filming finally arrived, I was living, eating and sleeping CNN; paranoid that something would go wrong and anxious not to make a fool of my self in front of such an important camera crew. Well to cut a long story short, everything went as planned. The program was aired 6 times on CNN Turk and friends from all over rang to congratulate us on its success. You know what? I actually do believe that “ I was just the right man for this job.”

Here’s some comic memories of some of the events that took place while we were filming in different parts of the city.

In one scene, two of Tony’s students were late for the filming.

We didn’t have time to waste, so we asked a female student sitting at one of the cafes by the old mosque if she would help. I was asked to stand in for the other guy that was late. I was supposed to walk up to the girl, greet her by kissing her on the cheeks and them join Tony at his table. The girl was quite pretty, so I didn’t mind having to kiss her. But on the otherhand, I was thinking that if my wife sees this, I am going to spend the night sleeping on the doorstep with the cats. Well, all is fair in the line of duty and I did what I was told.

Meanwhile a big crowd had gathered around the film crew.

Cypriots are notorious busy bodies. Suddenly an old woman took one look at me and said “ AHHH, I know this actor, he is really famous. Look he is in Cyprus to film a new movie.” On one side I

could feel my head expanding in volume, delighted to have been mistaken as a famous movie star and on the other side I wanted to throw myself on the ground and have a good laughing fit. It must have been the dark black sunglasses! You know, I am sorry I didn’t start giving out autographs.Everyone has their moment of glory and I wanted to make the most of mine. Little did I know that, this was just the start of a change of events where people mistook me to be someone either famous or important.

The second ‘identity crisis’ happened when we went back to the village where Tony filmed his documentary on the mass graves.

When a long convoy of cars arrived in the village and started to unload their equipment, the village coffee house was packed with men enjoying their morning coffee ritual. When they understood that it was a camera crew, the villagers deserted the coffee house and started to follow us. Suddenly I found my self surrounded by villagers and their complaints about the state of their village. They thought I was some hot shot government official who had come to the village to film the state of their roads and lack of infrastructure.

I found myself receiving petitions and requests for all sorts of help.

Of course, I was too embarassed to admit who I really was, so I just let them go on with their complaints. One villager even asked me to find a job for his son, who had just completed his military service.

Another villager asked which TV channel was accompanying me and i told them it was CNN. You could not imagine the look of disappointment on his face when he turned around and said “ We have no business with an American TV channel. We thought they were from BRT ( Local Turkish Cypriot TV station). Don’t tire yourself too much, we can’t watch your program anyway, because our TV antennas only pick up BRT!!!!

BLESS HIM. Cemal Kilic EMU Graduate, Class of 1996

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NOCOMMENT

mynorthcyprus What first brought me to North Cyprus was university and the attraction of being part of a cosmopolitan society – I’ve always lived in a big city.

The thing that keeps me in North Cyprus, is the fact that you can never be bored (only lazy!), which continues to fascinate me.

My first memory of North Cyprus is of being in a car with my friends and driving through Lefkosa (the capital city) when I first arrived. The changes in surroundings as you drive from west to east is amazing – from the picturesque

Dieudonne A. Asambang

medieval city walls, to Kyrenia Gate and the Ataturk Monument in Gonyeli.

Something residents in North Cyprus often overlook, is having everything we could possibly need pretty much at our doorsteps. Not only that, but we have a whole variety of choices, from mobile phone providers to newspapers and more importantly, education. It’s not like that everywhere, especially not in the places I grew up.

If there’s one thing North Cyprus needs, its more smiles. People are busy, but it never hurts to smile at the person walking past you.

The thing that interests me most about North Cyprus is getting swept up by its exciting lifestyle which makes me forget about the stress in my life. Then again, that is one of North Cyprus’ attractions-something for everyone.

Three words that best sum up North Cyprus is: cosmopolitan, modern yet traditional.

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ERASMUS IP: Spring School at EMU Eastern Mediterranean University Faculty of Architecture organized the ‘First Erasmus Intensive Spring School’ themed ‘Tourism and Architecture’ with the cooperation of Gazi University and Politechnico di Milano/Italy and with the participation of students and lecturers from Bochum University, Germany and the Coppenhagen Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts.

The program is supported by the EU Education Commission as an Erasmus Intensive Program. Paola Leardini, a member of Politechnico Milano University declared that: “It is inspiring to try and make a country that is so rich in history , like Cyprus, a more beautiful place. This Spring School will be beneficial for the groups who have joined, as well as for the country itself”.

Turkan Torun who is an EMU post graduate student of Architecture, has been organising such activities for the last two years. She declared that in her field, it is very important to work in a place where there are lots of different languages and cultures, which reflects on the work being carried out. She also stated that “We are trying to design a city which embraces the sea without destroying its natural and historical heritage.”

Ankara Gazi Univeristy Architecture student Rabia Yilmaz, stated that she had always imagined Cyprus as a city of entertainment, until she started working on the project. Now she appreciates the fact that the city of Famagusta has embraced many civilisations and cultures and now looks at the town from a historical perspective.

Students worked on making the medieval city walls of Famagusta more attractive for tourists, by trying different methods of design, renovation and art work. They worked on themes which incorporated the towns close proximity to the sea. The aim was to allow the citizens of Famagusta to receive maximum benefit from the sea and to also still feel the presence of the city’s ancient past.

The workshop ended with an exhibition of the particpants different designs in ‘Somineli Ev’- Chimney House, which is an historical focal point within the old city walls.

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EMU Students Win the First Prize at

METU Robotics Competition

The Robotics Competition was held on 3rd & 4th of March 2007, in Middle East Technical University (METU) in Ankara, Turkey. We participated with four robots in 3 Catagories.

The competition started with an official ceremony. There were many stands and it was incredibly crowded. We set up our robots and explored the neighbouring stands, meeting other robot enthusiasts. There were a number of experienced teams from universities across Turkey. We were the only university from Cyprus, so we had the honour of representing our whole country at METU. Although METU students know English very well; they lack practice in the language.

Therefore, METU students had difficulties in communicating with some of our team members, who were international students. At that moment we felt proud of the level of English we receive at our university, although, I must admit that the internet infrastructure at METU is more advanced. Our stand was very popular and visitors to our stand asked many questions about our robots and life in North Cyprus and at EMU. Some students and their commander from the National Turkish Air Force Academy visited our stand and were impressed with the technology used for our upgraded Cooperative Labyrinth Discovery Robot. NTV channel also interviewed us about the robots.

The Award Ceremony After two days of displaying and talking about our inventions it was finally time for the award ceremony. We were so anxious as we waited for the announcements, yet sure that we would definitely get a prize. Five categories: General, Sumo, Mini Sumo, Climber and Line following category would be awarded prizes. The general category was the most significant one because design, innovation, creativity, design and applicability were the main factors that were going to be judged.

METU had asked six jury members who were all professors from various fields such as Industrial Engineering and Computer and Electronics Engineering to evaluate the competitor’s robots.

We could not contain our excitement when the board called us to the stage to receive the award for the first prize from the Rector of the METU, Prof. Dr. Ural AKBULUT. There was the prize! We got it! Yes, we did!

We were so happy to be the winners. Several team leaders congratulated us and we noticed that everyone was very impressed by our university. A minute later we called our supervisors Dr. Atilla Elçi and Dr. Hasan Demirel to tell them the wonderful news. We were proud that we had made them happy with our achievement. A few minutes later, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Prof. Dr. Izzet Kale called us and congratulated us on

our success. It was the most valuable prize for us, more important than what we were awarded by METU. On our Way back to Cyprus We had half a day to visit Ankara, so we decided to visit the founder of modern TurkeyAtaturk`s Mausoleum, before we returned home. It is a well-organized place that we have never seen, and a tribute to this great leader.

If you wonder what we have learned within four days, it is the friendship of two Iranian and two Turkish students. Having a different culture, language, belief, age or position is irrelevant. What is important is acting as a team and having a clear vision of the goal before you. We believe that success is not success unless it is continuous. Therefore, we will continue to carry out our projects and activities in the future, always striving to be better. We all welcome you in the Activity Center of our University and our Robotics Laboratory

at

Computer

Engineering

Department for future projects.

We will always be grateful to our professors for their encouragement, guidance and dedication. We sincerely thank all of you and the university for giving us the chance to prove that we really do receive top quality education at EMU. Team Members: Behnam Rahnama Ph.D. Student of Computer Engineering Reza Abrishambaf M.Sc. Student of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Ali Kemal Yetiflen B.Sc. Student of Mechanical Engineering Mustafa Akkoç B.Sc. Student of Computer Engineering

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Before The Wedding:

EMU Students say:

This was how it all began.

We went to the same primary school back in Nigeria and although we didn’t hate each others guts, we never really liked each other either. Then we left to separate secondary schools.

One day, Ayo came to my house after I had graduated from secondary school. I was surprised to see him because it had been so long. He was already at university.

After catching up on old times and going out, Ayo had to leave for London and his girlfriend who was waiting for him.

I was sad but chose to find consolence by also leaving for a new life at university. When he came back from London two and a half years had passed and he was now free and single.

We decided to go to the same university together and travelled to North Cyprus to build a better life for ourselves.

Coming here was very challenging for both of us. Our parents were afraid that we would not take our studies seriously. We studied, we fought, we cried and we laughed. We broke up and were miserable but deep down, both Ayo and I knew that we were meant for each other.

Our last separation taught us that life is too short to waste and that it was the time to take the big step and get married.

I do...

After The Wedding:

I would like to say it’s fun to be married even though sometimes it’s not a bed of roses.We have found our soul mate and have invited God into our relationship. We both now enjoy peace, joy, happiness, and have learned to overlook each others faults. If there is anything marriage has taught me, it is to be patient, honest and selfless, while my husband would say marriage has taught him to be more loving, caring, honest, and devoted.

I would tell my friends that marriage is a serious affair. It really is for better or for worse, in sickness and in health. It is two people walking the journey of life hand in hand. It is no longer “me”.

It now becomes “us”.Everybody has their soulmate. So make absolutely sure that you have found yours, before committing yourself . We want to use this opportunity to thank our close friends that supported us, especially Jonathan, Alexis, Ovaie, Tony, Toun, Anita,Jumoke, Mushood, Celine, Paula, Margret,Hauwa, Josiah, Mohammed and Musa. Thanks to all the other well wishers, as well as some friends who prefer to remain anonymous and who supported us in every way both financially, physically and materially.

May God reward you abundantly.

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HOMESWEETHOME

Iran

This is Home Sweet Home, this is Iran. One of the oldest cradles of human civilization, which has a multitude of archeological, historical, cultural and national monuments to offer it’s visitors. A visit to Iran gives one the feeling of contact with a “different”, but not incomprehensible world, a country which is accessible, unusual and diverse.

Iran is the land of Dariush; the great king; the king of kings; The king of many countries and many peoples; The son of a Persian, 'Aryan', from the Aryan race. (Taken from the Darius the Great's Inscription in Naqshe-e-Rostam)

l

l

QUICK FACTS Iran was formerly known as Persia and is located in the territories of Middle East, Central Asia and the Caucasus, with a population of over 70 million people.

The name Iran is a cognate of Aryan and literally means “Land of the Aryans”.

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l

The capital city is Tehran Iran has one of the oldest histories in the world, extending nearly 6,000 years. l Languages spoken in Iran are Persian, Turkish, Kurdish, Arabic and many local dialects. l The Iranian Revolution transformed Iran from a monarchy under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, to an Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the revolution and founder of the Islamic Republic(1979-1988). l The political system of Iran comprises several intricately connected governing bodies and is based on the 1979 Constitution. The highest state authority is the Supreme Leader, currently served by Ali Khamenei. l Iran- Iraq war was a disagreement about the border between the two countries, lasting from 1980 to 1988 and resulting in heavy loses on both sides. l

l

Iran ranks second in the world in terms of natural gas reserves and third in oil reserves. l About 98% of Persians are Muslims (Shi'a 89%, Sunni 9%), and the other 2% include Zoroastrian, Jewish, Christian, and Baha'i. l The local currency is the Iranian Rial (Rls). 1 US$= 9260 Rls. PLACES TO SEE Fars Province l Fars Province is located in the south of Iran and is considered to be one of the most famous provinces. l It was the capital of Iranian Kings for centuries. l Shiraz is the centre of Fars province. l Shiraz was the capital for sometime and is well-known and famous for poets such as Sa'di and Hafez who lived and died there. l Shiraz is a centre of science and civilization with pleasant weather and good natured people. l Sightseeing in Shiraz: Takht-e-Jamshid Palace (Persepolis), Naqsh-eRostam, Pasargad, Naqsh-e-Rajab, Takht-e-Rostam, Shahr-e-shapur, Shah Cheragh, Atabaki Mosque, Bazaar-e-Vakil, Bagh-e-Eram and Arg-e-Karim Khan.

Esfahan Province Esfahan is situated in a wide area in the centre of the Iranian plateau. l Zayandeh Rud which is the greatest and the most famous river in the centre of Iran is located in Esfahan. l It is counted as one of the richest provinces in Iran. l Construction of the city is attributed to Keykavus in stories, but some historians attribute it to Tahmures-e-Divband, 3rd king of Pishdadian. l Sightseeing in Esfahan: Emam Square (Naqsh-e-Jahan), Menar Jonban, Church and Museum of Jolfa, Chehel Sotun Palace, Pol-eKhaju, Bazaar of Esfahan, Si-o-Seh Pol (Pol-e-Allahverdi), Chahar Bagh School and Ali Qapu Palace. l

Kish Island Kish is an Iranian island and city in the Persian Gulf and is part of Hormozgan Province. l It is known as a consumer’s paradise with numerous malls, tourist attractions, and resort hotels. l Dariush grand hotel, a 125$ Million five star hotel with over 200 guestrooms which is located near the eastern sandy beaches of the island, was built to be a reminder of Persepolis, a symbol of glory and splendor of the ancient Iranian civilization. l Dolphin Park in Kish Island is surrounded by over 12,000 palm trees. The park includes a Dolphinarium, Butterfly Garden, Silk Worm Compound, Exotic Bird Garden, Artificial Rain Forest, Volcanic Mountain, the World of Orchids and a Cactus Garden. l

Qeshm Island It is situated in the strait of Hormuz off the south coast of Iran and east of the Persian Gulf. l Qeshm is a free trade zone, which makes the Island very important in terms of international trade. l It is famous for a wide variety range of ecotourism attractions such as the Hara Marine Forests. l An ancient Portuguese castle, historical mosques, Seyyed Mozaffar l

and Bibi Maryam shrines, various ponds and Mangroves forests are among the tourism attractions in the island. l Fishing is a leading occupation practiced by the inhabitants of the Island l Salt is mined on the southeast coast. l Qeshm is also considered a supposed site of the ‘Garden of Eden’ according to Cassells Bible.

TRIVIA One of the Iranian’s national dishes is so called Abgoosht which is made up of meat, red beans, potatoes, onions, tomato sauce, spices and served with bread. l Iran is one of the world's biggest producers of luxury foods. The country has the right to catch more sturgeon (the source of caviar) than any other Caspian Sea nation. It is also the world's biggest producer of pistachios, as well as saffron. l Yalda Night which is the longest night of the year and occurs on December 21st is celebrated in the Iranian culture. Ancient Iranians believed that at the end of this longest night, the evil darkness was defeated by light (Sun) allowing the days to become longer. Shabe Yalda (Yalda Night) refers to the rebirth of the sun. l Noruz is a traditional Iranian festival which starts at the exact moment of the vernal equinox, commencing the start of the spring.

It is considered as the start of the New Year among Iranians. l The Music of Iran has thousands of years of history dating back to the Neolithic age. l

By Ladan Zargartizabi

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13

it’s just

a game

The just concluded 9ja 3 on 3 basketball tournament became the greatest half – court competition ever played in the school’s giant multi purpose complex; Lala Mustafa Pasa.

Do you know!!! The auditorium has a seating capacity of about 3500, NBA standard synthetic floor, electronic score board and a movable upright. Although it was a game organized by the Nigerian Students Association and sponsored by the International Center, many nationalities which included Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, Cyprus, England and USA featured in the contest. These few countries mentioned are a simple test in evaluating EMU’s assertion as a varsity with 68 international students. In fact I am proud to say “my school” brings the world in one place, under an experimental ground and it is great how peacefully we live, study and play together as one entity.

Back to the game

Saturday 31st March 2007 was a day set aside on campus for an exciting 8 hours 3on 3 basketball tournament. The tournament started off at about 11:30. Look …… this

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clean game is a practical combination of both indoor and street ball rules, but something makes the pattern of the game more different; the ten registered teams consisting of 3 players and 1 substitute, had their team heads come together to form 5 rules for the game: l No fighting l The referee’s decision is final l If there’s a foul play and ball possession and basket, all teams are required to clear the ball outside the three point line l Five team fouls equals to one free throw l Other normal rules of basket ball; no double bouncing, steps e.t.c apply.

Interesting rules! Isn’t it? Who was under the impression that the Jordan’s, Wade’s, Kobe’s and like can only be found in the United States? Only an eye witness can at this point testify, that at least three players in this tournament would have been drafted into the NBA if only the talent scouts had been invited to Cyprus.Do ‘U’ want to bet on this!!!

Nearly every player had in mind that the game would be breath taking; little did they know the parameters of fun they’d be getting out of it. Of course the game was exhaustive

and at the same time a better way of having some fun on a weekend. Dj Rasheed displayed some latest musical jamz which motivated players to dance while the game was on.

The day ended with a presentation of trophies to the first three winning teams. The ace player of the day was Ozan who emerged from the first winning team with 45 points in a 60 minute game. I’d say an NBA nominee - you know!

As the DJ gradually packed his gadgets, players exchanged pleasantries and snap shots were taken. Everyone expressed satisfaction with the fun that the game brought, looking forward to nothing less than a continuous repetition of the programme. Probably to win the trophy!

Ha Ha Ha Ha……………………..

Many thanks to all the participants in the tournament, the Nigerian Students Association for organizing the programme and to International Canter for their enormous support.

Mabur Sunday Yelwa Public Relations Officer Nigerian Students Association

Turks love a good game of soccer ( what we refer to as football in Turkish). In fact the performance or lack of performance of our favourite teams is a matter of life and death.

We take our game very seriously. But did you know that Turks are also starting to love American football? I dont mean the games you watch on cable TV, I am talking about the American football team at EMU- known as the EMU Crows. The name comes from the fact that once upon a time, the town of Famagusta was famous for this particular species of birds.

The first American football team at EMU was formed in the year 2000 and enjoys the privelage of being the only team in the whole of the island. The team members consist of a mix of both talented Turkish and International students studying at EMU. We even have an American coach- Mr. Haydon Flowers. Our coach happened to watch us in training in Istanbul and asked to take the team under his wings. He has moved his whole family to North Cyprus and now trains us with alot of dedication. Though I must admit that he sometimes pushes us to the limit during our weekly training sessions. Whenever he doesn’t mange to kill us, we spend the rest of our spare time, training in the gym, as this is a very high condition sport.

EMU Crows competes in the American football league in Turkey. Last year we managed to finish third in the Turkish league, however, this year we lost in the semifinal playoffs againt Gazi Universitry 36-28.

American football is really not that hard to understand and a fun game to watch.

Come on EMU we need your support at our matches. We need to hear you say “ GO CROWS GO!” Volkan Uzar Number 20

go S W O R C

!

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CAMPUSNEWS MEMBERS OF THE UK HOUSE OF LORDS VISIT EMU Members of the United Kingdom House of Lords: Lord Maginnis, Lord Ahmed, Lord Harrison, and Lady Harrison, currently in the TRNC for a series of contacts, visited EMU on Monday, April 2nd, 2007. The lords and lady, who were welcomed by EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Halil Güven, were given information on our university and higher education in North Cyprus. The guests declared their support towards lifting isolationist policies against institutions of higher education in the TRNC and expressed their appreciation of Eastern Mediterranean University campus. Following their detailed visit, they further stressed that the Eastern Mediterranean University leaves nothing to be desired in terms of infrastructure and technological equipment as compared to European universities.

SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY OFFICIALS VISIT EMU Prof. Dr.Alan Sweedler ( Vice President for International Programs), Prof.Dr.Pual Ganster ( Director, Institute for Regional Studies of the Californian’s) and Prof.Dr.Nancy A.Marlin (Provost) visited EMU between the 24-28th of March 2007, in order to discuss ways to expand the thirteen year old protocol that exists between San Diego University (SDSU) and Eastern Mediterranean University. SDSU staff also gave two seminars on Energy and Security and the American Higher Education system.

EMU-FAMAGUSTA TOWN GET TOGETHER On the 6th of April members of EMU family and citizens of the town of Famagusta came together at EMU Beach Club to strengthen ties between the university and its host town. The get together was sponsored by EMU-Coop Ltd with the support of the EMU Rector Prof.Dr.Halil Guven, the Mayor of Famagusta Mr. Oktay Kayalp and the Governor of Famagusta Mr.Ismail Gundost. With the opening of the University in 1979, Famagusta has been transformed from a small town relying on sea trade, to a thriving town that hosts students from all over the globe.Citizens, house owners, proprietors and prominent Famagusta businessmen came together to discuss how they can help the university integrate with the town and look for ways to solve problems concerning EMU students and the town they live and study in. The Head of the National Union of Students in Europe, Mr Bastian Baumann and Mrs Karin Resetarits who is an Austrian MP in the European Parliament, also gave a speech at the cocktail, commending the university and the town of Famagusta for their collaborative efforts.

EMU CAREER DAYS ‘Career Days’ was organised between the 9-11th of May with successful businessmen and women from top companies in Turkey participating as speakers at the event. It was a memorable occasion for EMU, as some of the participants were former EMU graduates who now hold top executive positions in international companies such as DHL and Vodafone. It was also a sentimental moment for our graduates; some who had not returned to the island since graduation. The guest speakers talked about their journey to the top, what companies are looking for in job applicants and what students need to do in order to prepare for work life. Tips on preparing C.V’s and how to act during interviews were also presented.Many of the graduates promised to offer traineeship positions in their company to EMU students who would like to have a taste of real worklife.

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CAMPUSNEWS PAKISTANI EDUCATION MINISTER MEETS RECTOR GÜVEN Pakistani Minister of Education Javed Ashraf Qazi paid a visit to EMU on 20.3.2007.

Speaking at the meeting, Güven pointed to the friendly ties between Turkey and Pakistan, and indicated that, “Turkey and Pakistan always acted together on international matters.”

“In the wake of the earthquake in Pakistan, the Education Ministers of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and Pakistan joined forces to help those in need.

University students in the TRNC sent their pocket money to the Pakistani victims," he added.

On the other hand, Qazi stated that his visit aimed at boosting bilateral relations between the two countries in the field of education. Qazi said that his government wanted more Pakistani university students to be educated in the TRNC, “these students will boost our relations, that alredy have deep historical roots.”

Qazi also met with Pakistani students at the University and discussed their various needs and accommodation problems.

43RD LIBRARY WEEK CELEBRATED AT EMU The Turkish Cypriot Librarians Association came together at EMU to celebrate the 43rd Library Week with a series of seminars and panels on the topic. A book donation campaign that was started as part of the celebrations, managed to collect over 1000 books that were donated to a local primary school that was in serious need of resources.

CHARITY BAZAAR As part of EMU’s ongoing commitment to community service programs, the team in the Press and Public Relations department organized a Charity Bazaar on the 4th of May, in aid of the Cancer Patients Association, Leukemia Foundation and the Turkish Cypriot Diabetics Association. EMU staff and students were asked to donate goods and food for sale at the various stalls that were erected at Ataturk Square.

Local companies also donated goods and their services during the day and the citizens of Famagusta flocked to the university to lend a helping hand. All proceeds from the bazaar were donated to the 3 organisations mentioned above.

STUDENTS FROM AZERBAIJAN CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE DAY Students and lecturers from all over the island gathered in Lefkosa to celebrate the Independence Day of Azerbaijan on May 28th, 2007. A presentation on the life of M.A Rasulzade- the founder of the Republic was given. Students enjoyed the traditional get together and the chance to meet with fellow nationals who are studying at other universities on the island.

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OUT and ABOUT

A Gangster’s Paradise in North Cyprus

Mavi Köflk (Blue House) We all love tales about secret agents and espionage. Who hasn’t heard of Mata Hari, the famous Dutch exotic dancer who worked as a double agent for the French and Germans in World War I. Or the Cambridge Spies, who all held prominent positions in the British government and who were recruited to work for the Soviet KGB. And then there’s the world’s most famous spy, the elusive secret agent James Bond, otherwise known as 007.

In this edition we take you to a location in North Cyprus, which is one of the most popular day trips that are requested time and time again by EMU international students.

We take you to Mavi Kosk (Blue House) in the small village of Camlibel. A gangster’s paradise in North Cyprus; home of the prominent Greek Cypriot business entrepreneur and arms smuggler Byron Pavlides. This place looks like a scene out of a 1970’s 007 movie.

It’s hard to collect accurate information about this place, so I have had to rely on different sources and write down information that all parties seem to agree on.This tale is what legends are built on.

The house was completed in 1973 by Byron Pavlides who comes from a widely respected family involved in the motor trade. The Pavlides family is believed to have originally been of Italian origin. Byron Pavlides, a flamboyant man known for his eccentricities was also the lawyer of Archbishop Makarious and one of the biggest arms smugglers in the Middle East. In addition to building the Blue

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House, he was also responsible for building the famous White House on the road to St Hilarion Castle. Mr. Pavlides built his houses in remote areas, to ensure his privacy. He was resident in the White House in 1963, when the persecution and oppression of the Turkish Cypriots by Greek Cypriots was renewed after the brief period of calm that followed independence in 1960. The Turkish Cypriots took refuge in the mountains and in doing so, took over the White House.

Coming back to the Blue House, there is a legend told by the guide, that there are so many secret passages and underground chambers built to hide contraband and smuggled arms that Pavlides had all the building workers and the architect shot

upon completion of the task!

The rooms in the House are very reflective of the architectural and psychedelic trends that are a trade mark of the 1970’s.The upstairs rooms provide sprawling views of the landscape and the main bedroom has the supposed “800 metre long escape tunnel” through which Pavlides is said to have got away during the 1974 war. The air-conditioning system in the house is highly sophisticated for its time and run by a central system that can be controlled individually from each room. There is a couch that is supposed to put you to sleep within 7 minutes, a mirror that shows the whole room from every angle while you are praying, a niche that has interesting echo properties, and soundproof curtains to drown out the noises coming from the outdoor pool. There are also chairs whose backs become hard in order to stop a person from slouching or sleeping during meetings and a chameleon skin drinks cabinet said to change colour at different times of the day.

That’s the end of our sneak preview. If you want a taste of the stuff that spy legends are made of, then you will have to make sure you don’t miss out on the next International Center trip to the Blue House.

By the way…Legend has it that Blue House was one of the favourite hideaways of the movie actress Sophia Loren.It is also rumored that until his death in 1982, Pavlides kept sending money for the upkeep of the house and furniture in the hope of someday being able to return.

The Blue House is preserved as a museum by the army and is open to visitors for a small entrance fee. It is advisable to have some sort of identification with you, if you want to visit the House on your own.

Compiled by Meryem Ezel Lecturer EMU Prep School

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The name “Famagusta” literally translates into “Ghost Town” and this was the theme for this year’s Spring Festival. Here is a few snapshots from the week long festivities.......

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