With the initiative of Eastern Mediterranean University Cyprus Studies Center (EMU-KAM) and EMU Architecture Faculty, 18 April International Monuments and Sites Day was celebrated once again at the EMU Activity Center.

At the seminar, speakers working in different fields on the theme of "World Heritage and Sustainable Development: The Role of Local Communities" shared their experiences. The seminar also led the attention through academic and student participation towards the required sensitivity regarding the critical role of local communities in the protection of cultural heritage in Northern Cyprus.

Speaking at the opening speech of whats is known as World Cultural Heritage Day, EMU Rector for Promotion and Development Prof. Dr. Halil Nadiri said that the seminar constitutes a significant occasion to draw attention to Cyprus's cultural heritage and sustainability. EMU Cyprus Studies Center President, Prof. Dr. Naciye Doratlı also stated that their mission is to encourage and support research in various areas of Cyprus. She added that the cultural heritage phenomenon, which was implemented by the International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) on April 18, 1982, is important within the framework of the said mission. EMU Architecture Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Şebnem Önal Hoşkara stated that since 18 April 1982, International Day of Monuments and Sites has been celebrated through public conferences, site visits and seminars in various countries. Hoşkara emphasized that the role of the Faculty of Architecture in the phenomenon of cultural heritage has a long history and noted that in this sense, the faculty assumed an important responsibility in awakening public awareness towards the phenomenon of cultural heritage in society. In the EMU Student Activity Center seminar, UNDP-PFF Representative presented the topic of "Cultural Projects carried out by UNDP-PFF in Cyprus". After the presentation, the panel "World Heritage and Sustainable Development: The Role of Local Communities" started. EMU Architecture Faculty Assoc. Dr. Beser Oktay Vehbi and Dr. Prof. Hülya Yüceer from Middle East Technical University. Dr. Süha Özkan, İsmail Cemal from Büyükkonuk Village, Assoc. Dr. Netice Yıldız, Associate Professor of Cyprus Traditional Building, Architecture and Urbanism (INTBAU). Dr. After Özgür Dinçyürek made presentations, the panel ended.

Program:

World Day of Monuments and Sites, 40th Anniversary of the World Heritage Convention

April 18, 2012 – 09.30-12.00, EMU Student Activity Center

Opening Speeches (09.30-09.50)

prof. Dr. Naciye Doratlı, Head of Cyprus Studies Center, EMU

prof. Dr. Şebnem Önal Hoşkara, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, EMU

Invited Speech (9.50-10.15)

UNDP-PFF Representative, "Cultural Projects of UNDP-PFF in Cyprus"

Seminar (10.30-11.30)

"World Heritage and Sustainable Development: The Role of Local Communities"

Seminar Executors:

Assoc. Dr. Beser Oktay Vehbi, EMU, Faculty of Architecture

Dr. Hülya Yüceer, EMU, Faculty of Architecture

Presenters:

prof. Dr. Süha Özkan, Middle East Technical University

İsmail Cemal, Büyükkonuk Village

Assoc. Dr. Netice Yildiz, ICOMOS Scientific Committee

Assoc. Dr. Özgür Dinçyürek, (INTBAU) Cyprus Traditional Building, Architecture and Urban Planning Association