Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Faculty of Law organized a symposium in memory of Prof. Dr. Esin Konanç titled “Comparison of Turkey-TRNC Nationality Law”. The symposium that was organized in memory of the Late Faculty of Law Dean Prof. Dr. Esin Konanç who died in a tragic car accident on the 20th December 2009, took place at the Mustafa Afşin Ersoy Hall on Friday the 23rd December 2016 at 10:00.
The program commenced with a moment of silence and the Turkish national anthem. Next, Prof. Dr. Esin Konanç’s biography was read. The opening adresses were made by Vice Dean of the Faculty of Law, Asst. Prof. Dr. Ulaş Gündüzler. Asst. Prof. Dr. Gündüzler thanked all in attendance and commemorated Esin Konanç. Providing information about the symposium Asst. Prof. Dr. Gündüzler noted that it will shed light on many important topics.
In a speech of his own EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Necdet Osam commemorated Esin Konanç saying that they greatly miss her and noting that it is very important not to forget such individuals. Addressing the students, Prof. Dr. Osam stated that he believes law should be used a universal guide in the chaotic times the world is going through. Prof. Dr. Osam noted that the road conditions leading to the passing of Konanç are yet to be fully rectified stating the need for state representatives to enforce certain rules. Prof. Dr. Osam concluded by wishing everybody a useful symposium. Famagusta district governer Dürdane Acı was also present at the opening ceremony.
After the opening speeches, EMU Faculty of Law academic staff member Prof. Dr. Hasan İsgüzar shared his fond memories with Esin Konanç. The moderator of the first session of the symposium was Prof. Dr. Tuğrul Arat. The first session included the presentations “Commanding Principles of Nationality Law” by Prof. Dr. Feriha Bilge, “A glance at TRNC Nationality Law” by Prof. Dr. Turgut Turhan, “Voluntary Turkish Citizenship” by Prof. Dr. Esra Dardağan Kibar and “Obtaining Nationality in TRNC Law” by Asst. Prof. Dr. Arzu Alibaba.
The moderator of the second session was Prof. Dr. Turgut Turhan. The second session included the presentations “The right to gain Turkish citizenship and how to lose it” by Prof. Dr. Bilgin Tiryakioğlu, “How to Gain Turkish citizenship exceptionally in Turkish Nationality Law” by Assist. Prof. Dr. Sedat Sirmen, “The cancellation of Turkish Citizeship and the Withdrawal of Citizenship Rights” by Asst. Prof. Dr. Aslı Bayata Canyaş and “Losing Citizenship in TRNC Law” by research assistant Ulvi Nail Gün. The symposium came to an end after the speakers were presented plaques of appreciation.
