A panel was organized at AUC in memory of Süleyman Ergüçlü.
Süleyman Ergüçlü, the doyen of the Turkish Cypriot press, was commemorated with such a meaningful event for the first time after his death. The American University of Cyprus (KAU) organized a special panel titled “The Role of Süleyman Ergüçlü in the Turkish Cypriot Community and the Press” to honor the master journalist. Held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at the Alayköy Campus Amphitheater, the event witnessed emotional moments with the intense interest of Ergüçlü’s colleagues, students, loved ones and the press community.
The panel was moderated by Süleyman Ergüçlü’s student and KAU Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Visual Communication Design faculty member Dr. Emel Yılmaz. Journalist Emin Akkor and Journalist Ali Baturay took part in the panel as speakers.
Journalist Emin Akkor explained Ergüçlü’s place in the history of the Turkish Cypriot press through historical examples and the media structure of the period, while Journalist Ali Baturay talked about the human aspects, sense of humor and honesty of his colleague, with whom he worked for many years. Prof. Dr. Emel Yılmaz, on the other hand, in her presentation titled “Being a Student of Süleyman Ergüçlü”, shared with the participants how their paths crossed during their journalism education and the professional inspiration she received from Ergüçlü.
One of the most emotional moments of the panel was the speech of Süleyman Ergüçlü’s life partner Neşe Ergüçlü. Unable to hold back her tears, Neşe Ergüçlü said, “You immortalized my beloved husband. This is the first time I have attended such a meaningful event after him. I am grateful to you. I would like to sincerely thank the American University of Cyprus administration, the architect of the panel Dr. Emel Yılmaz, the speakers and our friends who did not leave us alone today for not forgetting Süleyman Ergüçlü and bringing us together on such a day.”
In his speech, KAU Rector Prof. Dr. Gökçe Keçeci reminded the responsibility of universities towards the society and made the following statements
“It is not only an academic but also a conscientious duty of a university to keep alive the names that have left a mark on society. Remembering values such as Süleyman Ergüçlü is the continuation of loyalty and cultural memory. We believe that such events should increase in terms of the Turkish Cypriot community.”
