The “Sustainable Cultural Heritage Panel in the TRNC,” organized by the Tourism Research, Application and Development Center affiliated with the Continuous Education and Research Center of Altınbaş Cyprus University (World Peace University), was held on April 17 at the Yunus Emre Institute.
The panel, attended by academics, industry representatives, and students, opened with speeches by Mrs. Sibel Tatar, wife of President Ersin Tatar, and Prof. Dr. Ahmet Alpay Dikmen, Rector of Altınbaş Cyprus University (World Peace University). In their remarks, they highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage, ensuring its sustainability, and transmitting it to future generations.
The session was moderated by Asst. Prof. Dr. Elif Şenyücel, Head of the International Hospitality and Tourism Management Department at Altınbaş Cyprus University (World Peace University).
During the panel, Ali Tuncay, Chairman of the Presidential Cultural Heritage Technical Committee, delivered a presentation titled “Activities of the Cultural Heritage Technical Committee,” providing insights into the committee’s ongoing projects and efforts to protect cultural heritage.
Kani Kanol, President of the HASDER Foundation, spoke on “A Perspective on the Sustainability of Cultural Heritage,” addressing the role of cultural values in preservation, continuity, and strengthening societal memory.
Ceramic artist Ayhatun Ateşin presented “Reflections of Mediterranean (Aya-Irini) Cultural Heritage on Tourism,” sharing her experiences in promoting Cyprus’s cultural heritage through art and tourism.
An exhibition showcasing Cypriot culture and traditional handicrafts was also organized with the support of HASDER. The display featured various handicrafts and traditional works representing Cyprus’s cultural heritage, offering participants an immersive experience.
Following the panel, attendees were offered traditional TRNC delicacies. The event concluded successfully after an engaging program that explored multiple dimensions of cultural heritage and attracted strong participant interest.
