Türkan Şoray awarded honorary doctorate

A ceremony was held at GAU's campus in the city of Kyrenia to mark the beginning of the 2024-2025 academic year. The event was attended by TRNC Minister of Foreign Affairs Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu, university officials, and students, as well as cinema actress Türkan Şoray, known as the "Sultan of Yeşilçam," who arrived from Turkey as a "special guest."

The program began with a moment of silence and the national anthem, followed by a video screening prepared for GAU's 40th anniversary. 

During the ceremony, Türkan Şoray was presented with an honorary doctorate in accordance with a decision by the GAU Senate. As the title was conferred, Şoray was dressed in a red and white GAU gown inspired by her film, The Fisher Girl.

TRNC Minister of Foreign Affairs Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu also presented a commemorative plaque to the artist Türkan Şoray on behalf of the university.

In her speech after receiving the honorary doctorate, Türkan Şoray emphasized that education, and especially university education, is sacred to her, adding that being invited to the TRNC and honored by GAU has become one of the memories she will never forget.

Stating that she had always wanted to come to Cyprus, Şoray said, "Cyprus has been my passion for 50 years. When I came here 50 years ago, I made a wish in my heart that 'everything would be beautiful in Cyprus.' When this place became independent, I was at least as happy as the Turkish Cypriots."

News Source: AA