An event on "Ahmet Vural Behaeddin and His Listed Work" took place as part of the collaboration of Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Center for Cyprus Studies and Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Architects. The annual event that takes place within the scope of a protocol between the EMU Faculty of Architecture and the late architect’s wife Tülin V. Behaeddin, took on a different form this year. The event started with opening speeches outside Famagusta Othello Castle at 15:30 on the 3rd of May 2017.
EMU via EMU-CCS spearheaded the listing of 13 precious pieces of Ahmet Vural Behaeddin’s work. Behaeddin, who has approximately 150 pieces of work, was also the first registered member of the Chamber of Architects. He is one of the most important names in Modern Architecture in Cyprus.
Speaking at the opening EMU-CCS and Faculty of Architecture, Architecture Department Chair Prof. Dr. NaciyeDoratlı welcomed everyone to the event stating that EMU’s bond with the valuable architect goes a long way back and that the Faculty of Architecture and EMU-CCS have carried out many events relating to Behaeddin.
Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Architects Chair Türker Aktaç touched upon the work carried out by the Chamber of Architects regarding the conservation and awareness raising towards Cultural Heritage and Modern Turkish Cypriot Architecture. Aktaç also indicated that a Centre of Architecture will be put together and that the work of architects who contributed to Modern Turkish Cypriot Architecture will be collected within, to benefit architects and architecture students.
Former EMU-CCS Chair and Education Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Ülker Vancı Osam, welcomed everyone stating that she is very happy and proud of the work carried out by EMU-CCS.
Architecture Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Özgür Dinçyürek provided information about the Architecture Department indicating that they currently celebrating the 25thyear of the department which has worldwide recognition. Prof. Dr. Dinçyürek went on to point out that Ahmet Vural Behaeddin’s unique work made an impact on Turkish Cypriot history, stating that they have been involved in a number of collaborations that aim to honor his memory. Prof. Dr. Dinçyürek concluded by noting that the Faculty will continue its active support towards future organizations.
In a speech of his own, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Osam stated that EMU has undertaken a mission to protect and carry onward the values of the Turkish Cypriot community to future generations. Prof. Dr. Osamnoted that the Rector’s Office will continue to support every EMU-CCS event, thanking everyone in attendance.
TRNC Minister of Education and Culture Özdemir Berova indicated that many Turkish Cypriot gems have emerged during the community’s period of struggle stating that Ahmet Vural Behaeddin has become the pride of the Turkish Cypriot community in the field of architecture. Expressing his desire for the continuation of such events Berova described EMU’s event as meaningful: “The organization of such events by EMU, our state university makes us very happy”.
The event ended with the owners of the listed buildings and those who contributed to the event being handed plaques of appreciation, an exhibition comprising of the posters of some of the architect’s structures and a documentary screening of a documentary touching upon his life and work.
