Gundem Newspaper (English, 40)

Random Thoughts

By Femi Onifade

A tale of two massacres and the relative value of human lives

As the world faces the incessant wave of terrorism, Gundem English’s Femi Onifade examines the effects and scales of terrorism on two different continents. He compares the global responses given to the terrorist attacks on satirical French magazine Charlie Hebdo as well as a Nigerian fishing town. He also examines the global narrative on freedom and safety of journalists using three staff of Al Jazeera imprisoned in Egypt for over one year. He concludes that the lives of the three journalists -Peter Greste (Australia), Mohammed Fahmy (Egyptian Canadian), and Baher Mohammed (Egyptian)- are not treated equally by the international community.

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Winter is here…

By Temitope Damilola It’s that time of year again - cold and flu season! Combating those illnesses along with other winter health issues can be rough. However, being active and enjoying winter activities and sports is a great way to stay healthy.

Learn how to adjust to cold conditions so you can enjoy the winter.

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ENGLISH

gundem.emu.edu.tr

Faculty of Communication and Media Studies Student Newspaper

Issue: 40

December 2014 - January 2015

Having an interracial relationship

in North Cyprus

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St. Barnabas Museum

By Jeiran Olyanasab Historically, Cyprus belongs to ancient Greek civilization. So this island has significant potential to represent the rich culture of Greek civilization.

In this respect, some monuments in Cyprus tell us many stories about the cultures and adventures of Greek civilization. One of these monuments which I want to introduce is St. Barnabas’ Orthodox Church.

This church is located in North Cyprus on the west side of salamis road. While visiting St. Barnabas I felt sure that it would be an interesting experience for the foreign students to visit in order to become familiar with this historical place.

Interracial relationships are a common phenomenon in the world today. Paris, France still has the highest rate of interracial relationship. Interracial relationships cut across skin color, religion, nationality and ethnic groups. North Cyprus has had its own share of interracial relationships.

Being an island populated with students from over 90 countries of the world, the likelihood of interracial relationships is quite good.

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By Abigail Nuhu

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Gündem’s

Human Rights Day celebrations at the FCMS

By Munbang Sheena Dimka The Faculty of Communication and Media Studies of the Eastern Mediterranean University marked its 2nd Human Rights Day. At the Faculty’s Purple Hall the event started at 9.00 am with the Decoration of the Human Rights Tree and Collage work. The tree was beautifully decorated with wishes of what participants taking part in the event wished to see come true in the world. As part of the process these 30 articles were placed at almost every corner in the faculty.

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Evil eye that protects

By Victor Gamba Beliefs are part of the social structure of human society.

Beliefs vary from society to society and from person to person within communities. As a foreign student in north Cyprus, I have become acquainted with the Turkish “evil eye” bead popularly known in Turkish as ‘Nazar Boncugu’.

graphic designer

Sertaç Özdemir receives

Aydın Doğan Foundation Award

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December 2014 - January 2015

EMU Communication Faculty’s Day of Honor

Kazakh students celebrated their independence day

By Gulsaya Kaisagaliyeva

A total of 88 students were awarded high honor and 86 students honor certificates at the ceremony

By EMU News

Eastern Mediterranean University Communication Faculty organized a certificate awarding ceremony for students who demonstrated outstanding success during the 2013-2014 Academic Year Spring Semester.

EMU Communication Faculty’s academic staff members and students attended the ceremony where a total of 88 students were awarded high honor and 86 students honor certificates. During his opening address, Communication Faculty Dean Prof.

Dr. Süleyman İrvan congratulated students for their remarkable achievement and wished them all the further success.

In his opening address, Prof. Dr. Süleyman İrvan put forth that the faculty boasts a student population from 43 different countries. Stating that their faculty is undoubtedly the best

communication faculty within the TRNC, Prof. Dr. İrvan said that each and every member of the faculty has been working with utmost devotion to place the faculty amongst the bests at the international arena.

Giving information about the faculty’s accreditation process with the American Communication Association, Prof. Dr. İrvan stated that the faculty underwent the inspection of three representatives of ACA, who visited the faculty in November, 2014. Stating that the faculty expects to receive the accreditation of ACA for all undergraduate and postgraduate programs, Prof. İrvan put forth that the receival of the accreditation will make their faculty the first faculty accredited at international level both throughout Cyprus and Turkey.

Stating that EMU Communication Faculty’s postgraduate programs have been ranked within the best

200 communication faculties by Eduniversal for the past three years, Prof. Dr. İrvan put forth that they take pride in this success at international level.

During the certificate ceremony, Onur Konağ, who delivered a speech on behalf of Radio, Television, Cinema and Journalism Department, stated that the students are extemely happy with the warm environment provided by the faculty.

Konstantin Batdinov, who delivered a speech on behalf of Public Relations and Advertising Department students, stated that it was the members of EMU Communication Faculty who helped him discover his inner potential.Antoun Alhawini, who talked on behalf of Visual Arts and Visual Communication Design students, put forth that he sees the faculty as his home and the faculty members as his family.

Recently, on December 16th Kazakhstan students celebrated their 23rd independence day. To date, there are more than 100 students from the Republic of Kazakhstan studying on bachelor, master and Phd programs at Eastern Mediterranean University.

The primary reason for the performance in the Ataturk Area was to acknowledge students and staff of the university about Kazakhstan and their Independence day. The republic of Kazakhstan gained its independence right after the collapse of Soviet Union, in 1991.

According to history, hundreds of attempts were performed by Kazakh ancestors during several centuries in order to be completely self-sufficient politically and economically.

Beginning with listening to the

national anthem, Kazakhstan students showed national dances “Qara Zhorgha” and “Qamazhai”, that take origin from 12th century, and Kazakh students performed a graceful dance about women’s beauty and nature. Students were wearing t-shirts with the image of their national flag.

By the end of the celebration, Kazakh students started distributing to all spectators traditional dish named “Baursak”, national regale, which is cooked for guests on important events. Moreover, a kind of rite named “Shashu” was made by students, and it is an expression of gladness to all guests. After all, Kazakh students had a inter ary through the campus with flags and singing Kazakh songs and national anthem. Despite being so far from home, they successfully shared some of their culture with the EMU community.

Kazakh students had a inter ary through the campus with flags

Gündem’s graphic designer Sertaç Özdemir receives Aydın Doğan Foundation Award

By EMU News

Assist. Prof.Dr. Metin Ersoy, Gündem’s editor Ayça Atay, Sertaç Özdemir and Faculty Vice Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nurten Kara (Left to right)

Eastern Mediterranean University Communication Faculty Journalism Program student Sertaç Özdemir came in second in the Aydın Doğan Foundation’s Young Communication Majors Competition.

The award ceremony of the Aydın Doğan Foundation’s Young Communication Majors Competition, which has the aim of contributing to the education of qualified media professionals, took place at Bahçeşehir University.

A total of 1351 students, 1057 projects and 33 universities took part in the competition in printed, visual, auditory, advertising, public relations and internet publishing branches.

Following various boards’ evaluations, 64 projects of 113 students from 19 universities qualified for the award.

During his opening address at Aydın Doğan Foundation awards ceremony, chair of the foundation Hanzade

Doğan Boyner stated that through the competition, communications students at different universities have a chance to get to know each other and demonstrate to others how to put theory into practice. Following the opening adress, awards for the first three places were distributed.

Eastern Mediterranean University Communication Faculty is the only faculty taking part in the competition from the TRNC. With his work entitled “Soma: We will Never Forget”, Sertaç Özdemir was awarded the second place. EMU Communication Faculty Vice Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nurten Kara, Radio, Television, Cinema and Journalism Department academic staff member Assist. Prof.

Dr. Metin Ersoy and Gündem Newspaper editor and research assistant Ayça Atay accompanied Özdemir in the awards ceremony.

Stating his happiness in receiving the award, Sertaç Özdemir said that the feeling of responsibility he had during the Soma Disaster search and rescue operation urged him to

Sertaç Özdemir express his feelings through photography, script and graphics.

EMU Communication Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Süleyman İrvan said that Aydın Doğan Foundation Young Communication Majors Competition is the Oscars of communication students. Congratulating Özdemir on his outstanding success, Prof. Dr. Süleyman İrvan expressed the faculty’s pleasure in Sertaç Özdemir’s achievement.

December 2014 - January 2015

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Faculty of Communication receives 3 stars from Eduniversal Students’ comments

Elnaz Pakpour (Iran): Being part of this program is like swimming in the ocean of deep thoughts and seeing the world from a different perspective. We learn how to view the world through different colors, to observe and reflect and, most importantly, to respect people regardless of their gender, color or ethnic background.

By EMU News

As a global ranking and rating agency specializing in higher education, Eduniversal has increased the number of stars awarded to Eastern Mediterranean University Communication Faculty Communication and Media Studies Postgraduate Program from two to three and, at the same time, ranked the same program within the best 200 Communication Postgraduate Programs for the third consecutive year.

EMU Communication Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Süleyman İrvan expressed the faculty’s pleasure in developing a postgraduate program which has been ranked amongst the best for the third time.

Stating that Eduniversal annually announces the bests of postgraduate programs within 30 different areas, Prof. İrvan said that only 5 programs from Euroasia and the Middle East regions were included in the list in the field of communication and their programs which were ranked the fifth during the previous years have gone up to the third place with the inclusion of an additional star.

According to Prof. Dr. İrvan, the Eduniversal Evaluation System uses the reputation of the program, the salary of the first employment and student satisfaction to rank the best postgraduate programs worldwide.

Prof. Dr. Süleyman İrvan stated that Communication and Media Studies Postgraduate Program is the only program of Eastern Mediterranean University appearing in Eduniversal rankings during the 2014-2015 Academic Year. Stating that the program’s reputation at the global level is increasing day by day, Prof.

Dr. Süleyman İrvan also said that the program is recognised with its distinct student profile.

Prof. Dr. Süleyman İrvan said that the aforesaid program which started admitting students in 1998 has produced more than 100 graduates and 80% of the student population consists of students who came from 3rd countries. Giving information on the Faculty’s accreditation process with the American Communication Association, Prof. Dr. Süleyman İrvan stated that the faculty endeavors to gain international accreditation both for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Elega Abdulateef Adeola (Nigeria): EMU is a place where I am proud to be a part of. The year I started my postgraduate studies means a lot to me as I became the part of an international university.

Communication Faculty helped me discover my true identity.

Aytan Ahmadova (Azerbaijan): Our faculty houses a postgraduate program with international recognition as well as academics who are all experts in their chosen fields. I now have a deeper perspective in the field, thanks to the courses provided by the faculty. I would like to extend my gratitude to all faculty members who are always there to support us.

Human Rights Day celebrations at the FCMS

“I call on states to honour their obligation to promote human rights every day of the year. I call on people to hold their government to account” UN Secretary General Ban-Ki-Moon.

By Munbang Sheena Dimka

The UN General Assembly proclaimed 10 December as Human Rights day in 1950 and this declaration followed the universal general agreement to be the foundation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted in 1948. Since the declaration the December 10 has universally been marked as the Human Rights Day. This year was not an exception. The UN theme for this year is HUMAN RIGHTS 365.

This slogan means that every day is human rights day. This declaration consists of thirty articles.

It is in this view that the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies of the Eastern Mediterranean University marked its 2nd Human Rights Day. At the Faculty’s Purple Hall the event started at 9.00 am with the Decoration of the Human Rights

Tree and Collage work. The tree was beautifully decorated with wishes of what participants taking part in the event wished to see come true in the world.

As part of the process these 30 articles were placed at almost every corner in the faculty. Interesting is the title given to the articles “The Partial Declaration of Human Wrongs” article 1 out of 30 says “Many human beings are born. Freedom and equality in dignity and rights is heavily dependent on where you are born, who your parents are, and which government is bombing other (and/ or your own) people in your name.”

This, of course, is the opposite of the Declaration of Human Rights which says “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reasons and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.”

It would not be a bad idea to have

a look at the 30 articles, the Partial Declaration of Human Wrongs and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and then make your wish for the world.

There were different activities both in English and Turkish including “Countries and Human Rights” which was a video of different countries and the experiences of people living under different circumstances. The speakers spoke in their native languages – there were speakers from Africa, Asia, and Europe and Engin Aluç sang a song about displacement. “What will you do?” was a presentation from the Refugee Rights Association, a Cyprus based association which is involved with the refugee rights. The speaker pointed out some facts about the present situation in Cyprus and the provision in the human rights declaration as she also pointed out some of the violations of the article

The event started with the Decoration of the Human Rights Tree like the violation of article 20 “right to peaceful assembly” using the 19th July incidence as an example.

And article 18 “right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion” as she points out the recognition of Northern Cyprus as a form of violation out the provision and also article 14 “right to seek and to enjoy other countries asylum from persecution”. The speaker pointed out the

challenges of being refugees and the difficulties experienced – especially when they are denied asylum and are being deported – and asked “what would you do if you were in their shoes?” Other activities included “defining your own rights” and a film screening of “REFUGE: Caring for Survivors of Torture” a film by Ben Achtenberg that officially closed the celebration.

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December 2014 - January 2015

Random Thoughts

A tale of two massacres and the relative value of human lives

By Femi Onifade

Many people make a series of resolutions and aspirations at the turn of every year. They are often filled with hopeful confidence that their aspirations and resolutions will be accomplished before the year runs its course. Naturally no one plans to experience disaster but disasters are an inevitable part of the human experience. When such disasters happen so soon into the New Year, superstitious people might conclude that they are bad omens for the year ahead. While natural and human disasters may be beyond the control of the human beings, the individual and collective reactions to these events are within our control.

Three separate events provided the stimuli for this piece. The first two are mass killings on two continents

Chérif Kouachi who are French citizens stormed the office of a French satirical newspaper (Charlie Hebdo) killing ten staff of the magazine and two policemen. The magazine is notoriously anti-religious and has attacked Catholicism, Islam and Judaism in the past. The attack on the magazine was prompted by the extreme editorial policy of the publication.

In recent times, it has published cartoons depicting the prophet of Islam in unpalatable ways. That same day in northeastern Nigeria, fighters from the terrorist group Boko Haram stormed the fishing town of Baga in Borno State killing over two thousand people.

The international community understandably and expectedly condemned both events, but at varying degrees. As I write this,

about fifty world leaders are gathered in Paris in solidarity with the French government and people.

In contrast, there has been no show of international solidarity with Nigeria over the bigger loss on the same day. My judgment of the top level international reaction to the Charlie Hebdo killings is

that terrorism is a functional element of the society as long as it doesn’t affect the more powerful countries. The American Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Israel’s MOSSAD and Britain’s MI5 covertly sponsor terrorist groups to protect their national interests in other countries. It is fine with them as long as it takes place in “far away” lands.

Egypt, Libya, Syria, and Iraq are locales of western fight against terrorism; the current economic and socio-political state of these countries is an attestation to the level of “sincerity” of the world leaders. The burning question here is “Are French lives more valuable than Nigerian lives?”

On January 9 2015, two days after the Charlie Hebdo attack, the gunmen were tracked down and killed. With the swift response of the French authorities to the Charlie Hebdo killings which is evident in the prompt identification and hunting down and summary execution of Saïd and Chérif Kouachi, many observers could reach the conclusion that the western powers could put an end to global terrorism if they are truly sincere about world peace.

Despite my misgivings on the sincerity of the super powers in curbing global terrorism, I must commend them for keeping the trump cards to themselves, laying the markers and setting the boundaries. It shows that they are truly committed to protecting their people. The same cannot be said of the Nigerian government which has been so far clueless in the fight against Boko Haram.

Rather than seek and implement creative solutions, the Nigerian government has been blaming the major opposition party as well as the United States of America.

While the opposition party is

publications, Mr. Arian’s professional experience includes designing and conducting creative writing classes and script writing workshops for computer games.

His recent activity in the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies was a 16-hour workshop in which students from different faculties of the university have participated.

Students attend this workshop with different objectives; some wished to write for a personal fulfillment, and some planned to become a screenplay writer or produce publishable literary works. The first part of the workshop made an attempt to introduce the narrative elements such

as plot, character, settings, dialogue, etc. through sampling various written forms, from Persian literature to world literature.

Although covering the basic writing discussions, the emphasis of the workshop was placed on the exploration of individuals’ creative potential voices and ideas based on which some of them come up with the short stories and some other wrote the plots for novellas.

Fortunately, while the workshop closed its last sessionon 17th of January, 2015, its facebook group provides an opportunity to keep the members connected and posted with their future writings.

Boko Haram stormed the fishing town Baga killing over 2,000 people on the same day while the third one is the detention and trial of three Aljazeera journalists which has been unfolding for over one year. The first two events happened on January 7, 2015 in France and Nigeria. Although they are seemingly unrelated, they have the same motive.

In Paris, two brothers Saïd and

Creative people gather in FCMS!

By Elnaz Nasehi

The Creative Writing Workshop in Persian language was the first of its kind which was held in the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies of Eastern Mediterranean Universityfrom December 2014 to January 2015.This workshop conducted by Arman Arian, an Iranian well-known author, novelist and researcher who is the youngest winner of the annual “The Book of The Year of Iran” and received the honorary diploma in the 31st IBBY World Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark (2008) by the International Board on Books for Young People. In addition to his

Editor Stephane Charbonnier was among the 12 victims who lost their lives accused of sponsoring terrorism in Nigeria, the United States of America is accused of sabotaging the fight against terrorism in Nigeria by placing embargo on arms deal with the Nigerian government. With such a government at the helm of affairs, it is not surprising that French lives have become more valuable than Nigerian lives.

Peter Greste and Co.

Three journalists of Qatar based television channel Aljazeera International have been in detention for over one year. They are accused of working with the “illegal” organization the Muslim Brotherhood. The contextual analysis of the power play behind their detention is a story for another day, but the narratives in the reports about their detention is curiously more focused on Peter Greste. It is important to state the nationality of the three journalists; Peter Greste is an Australian while Baher Mohamed is an Egyptian and Mohamed Fahmy is

a dual citizen of Egypt and Canada (he moved to Canada with his parents in 1991).

Although all three men have been facing the same set of charges, the dominant narrative in the media and activist circles has focused more on Peter Greste, the Australian citizen.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has been very vocal in demanding the release of the journalists especially Peter Greste. He even spoke personally with the Egyptian president Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi.

The Egyptian-Canadian, Mohamed Fahmy has also received some level of support from the Canadian government through Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird. This was in April 2014. Very little has been done by the Canadian government since then.

So far, Baher Mohamed has not been lucky enough to find “someone” who could speak for him.

This sends the message that all lives are not equally valuable.

The workshop was conducted by Iranian author Arman Arian

December 2014 - January 2015

Having an interracial relationship in North Cyprus

By Abigail Nuhu

Interracial relationships come with their ups and downs, anxieties and fears, traditions and believes, and opinions and thoughts. Often, couples in an interracial relationship face challenges – not least, being stared at and having rude comments made to them in public places.

Most times it is perceived by the public as not being the result of love.

“How”, they might ask, “can people of two different racial groups find happiness together?” However, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and

what matters is the connection both partners feel for each other. David is a Nigerian student at Eastern Mediterranean University and he explained his experience in an interview about interracial relationships.

He is of a Christian background in a relationship with an Iranian from a Muslim home. Here is how he explained his experience: “At times people think we are together because of sex and not for love. When we are out and about, her friends make silly comments by calling her a bitch. But we do not allow all this to trouble us as we are used to it already. All that matters is the love between us and not comments people make. Our parents talk to each other from time to time and this made our union grow stronger, my mum gave her a pet name in my

Evil eye that protects

By Victor Gamba Beliefs are part of the social structure of human society.

Beliefs vary from society to society and from person to person within communities. As a foreign student in north Cyprus, I have become acquainted with the Turkish “evil eye” bead popularly known in Turkish as ‘Nazar Boncugu’. The beads are believed to ward off a spell or a hex which might affect someone without their knowledge.

Such spells are understood to come from a malevolent look or envious glare cast in a person’s direction by someone who wishes them ill.

The idea is that the person receiving the evil look will then suffer misfortune and will need recourse to some sort of counter spell or charm which will free them from the evil.

However, this is not to negate the Islamic tradition that holds that Muslims should rely on God alone to keep them safe. But the evil eye is highly believed to be able to protect against jealous, envious and wicked people in general who project bad luck through an unkind look.

A typical Nazar (Evil eye) is made of handmade glass featuring concentric circles or teardrop shapes in dark blue, light blue, white and black.

The predominant color blue is perceived as a protective color. Most visible to the

eyes, is seeing them embedded in concrete of pavements and walls of houses, restaurants, bars and institutions.

Some hang them in the rear view mirror of their cars, all in the attempt of warding off evil spirits.

I have recognized that there is a strong commercialization of this phenomenal object to the extent that it is sold to tourist as souvenirs, even most industries and factories have come into producing items like shower/bathing curtails, key holders etc. with the symbol of the evil eye imprinted on them. Opinions about the “evil eye” vary significantly amongst the Turkish community. Some people do not believe in it at all, saying being jealous of someone does not make bad things happen to a particular person even with the heinous stare of a bad intent or motive. This hinges on the invalid superstitions where people were looking to explain the bad things happening to them but could not give meaning to it – and the beads help to give meaning and transform the bad luck being experienced.

Whether it is seen as a lucky mojo or a myth, most of my Turkish and Nigerian friends see it doing more good than harm as it unites people in a common belief and this reflects a cultural heritage that has come to stay and will stand the test of time.

native language called Adamma meaning (beautiful)”.

He explained the issue of religion and cultural background as a major source of challenge as they are so different from each other. Despite all the difficulties they have faced as their relationship progressed, they have been able to compromise and endure through love and understanding.

“Sometimes, she comes to church, although I have to persuade her before she finally agrees to go and if she invites me to pray, I find it difficult to do that and this causes disputes between us. And as for cultural beliefs, she respects them but finds it hard to believe them because they seem very strange. In my country, we have two types of marriage, the traditional wedding and the white wedding and it is ideal to do both of them, but any time I discuss the issue with her, she tries to change the subject because it is so different than the traditions in her country”.

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even between people who were socialized into the same values, beliefs and religion.

How much more patience and understanding is needed when people from different cultures form relationships?

Nevertheless, even though every relationship has ups and downs, successful couples have learned how to manage the bumps and keep their relationship going.

Love knows no bounds and love, they say, conquers all.

Love can be found anywhere and all humans are equal so there should be no discrimination because of the color of our skin. For now, there may only be a few interracial relationships in north Cyprus, but in the near future, the island with an influx of nationalities, may just be the paradise home of fantasy for lovers of interracial relationships – just as it is in Paris, France, the city of love.

Living with sickle cell anemia

By Abiola Simbiat

My name is Abiola Simbiat; I am 20 years old, a student of Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), from the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies.

I was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia disease as a child and since then I have been living a full though challenging life. Sickle cell anemia is a genetic blood disorder caused by the presence of an abnormal form of hemoglobin: a severe hereditary blood disorder where the red blood cells that carry oxygen through the body develop abnormally. This disease is most common among African and Caribbean people.

I am proud to tell you that I am one of the over one million Nigerians afflicted with sickle cell anemia. I’ve suffered unthinkable and unbearable pains in my life, pains no one can understand except others with sickle cell anemia, God and me. When I was a child, I would wake up in the middle of the night screaming in agony because of the pains tormenting me. I remember going to the hospital and being admitted for days at a time, missing school and being unable to live life as a normal human being. These are part of life for a person living with sickle cell anemia.

Sometimes I would write my exams alone. I have experienced racism from childhood until my high school days and because of my weight, size and sometimes my strength, I don’t have the ability to do some of what others my age do – this was especially true during my high school days.

When it came to exercise, sports and other social school activities, even though I really wanted to join in, other students would say “Biola you are not strong enough”.

These life experiences led to the loss of my self-esteem. Sometimes I would go to my mum and cry asking her why God made me different from

others and she would smile and hug me and say those comforting words that she would always say during my crises: “You are special“. I am always in and out of the hospital even though I have always been careful with taking care of myself: I drink plenty of fluids and taking folic acid every day. My greatest dislike on earth is taking medicine! To me it is like adding salt to a wound because I have got a very small lungs and cannot swallow any hard substance easily. More than that, medicines irritate me – as if I am allergic to them and because of this I become a regular customer to the hospital.

As a person living with sickle cell anemia I question why there is not more attention and awareness about the disease – especially here in Cyprus! Why does the university health care know so little about our crisis? Also, when I visited the general hospital during my crisis, they didn’t give me the care and attention I needed and at the end of the day, they referred me to the hospital in the next city which is very expensive for me to go to. In the end the pain accumulate in my body and I ended up suffering for more than two weeks. I am not going to lie: some days are really hard! There are also days that are so good that I forget I am sick.

My crisis usually lasts one week, and it takes me about three days to gain back my strength. During my crisis, here are little tips of what I do to ease the pains.

I get my love ones closer to me: My friend are my greatest therapist, compare to my family, they won’t sympathize with me, instead, they make me laugh by cracking some crazy jokes. Disturbing me, so I won’t pay attention to the pains and also make me move from one place to another even when I feel paralyzed.

I do what makes me happy:

Dancing always makes me happy, no matter the condition, I cannot quit dancing, and pains can’t stop me from dancing, NEVER!

I try to be positive about myself:

Even though it’s not easy, I remind myself how precious, beautiful, worthy and special I am to the world.

When I was 12, doctor told me I would die at the age of 16, but now am 20, am strong, it’s not possible for me to die like that….NEVER! Tionne Watkins is one remarkable woman, (my role model) when she was seven years old she was diagnosed with sickle cell disease. But that didn’t stop her from her dream of becoming a singer. So why should it stop me?

I include God in everything:

Don’t forget in all things always put God first, doctor said I will die at the age of sixteen but God says I will live to fulfill destiny, and besides, whatever is going on in my body, He is aware, he made it clear in his book that my body is the temple of God, so why should I panic?

With these tips, I have learn to take care of myself, know my limits and take care of any infections right away to avoid any major crisis. I have also learned to live with the pain and control it with medication.

I have lived a pretty normal life even with the obstacles I have endured.

I just want to say to those of you who need it: don’t allow the pains to knock you down! It doesn’t matter what the prognosis is: never give up, be strong, be focused and stay positive.

For those who don’t have any health issue, thank God for your good health, and do not mock or discriminate. Sickle cell is not contagious.

This disease is something you find out you were born with and no one is to blame. It can happen to anyone around you.

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December 2014 - January 2015

“There’s no harm in dreaming” so the saying goes. I have had a dream since I was a small child. The motivation for the dream came from the variety of souvenirs and gifts that relatives brought home with them from their travels abroad. I listened to their stories in wide-mouthed astonishment about countries full of people with different customs and world-views than my own. Since then my dream has been to see the wonderful world – to visit as many different countries and cultures as I can. One of the countries on my list was the United Arab Emirates.

My unforgettable business trip to UAE

By Aigerim Sabit

From the stories that I was told it was difficult for me to really appreciate the uniqueness of the culture. I knew that I would have to visit for myself. So, to achieve my dream I needed to learn English as a language of international communication. Having more opportunities in Cyprus I also decided to learn Turkish (and I have successfully accomplished this during my study here). So thank to my Turkish skills, EMU had given me a chance to realize my lifelong dream. And knowledge of English let me enjoy my trip to UAE. It was a ten days business trip with Orhan Hasanoglu, a representative of EMU. I was a translator from Turkish into Russian for a group of Kazakh Masters students. Being an assistant of Orhan Bey one of my daily tasks was to assemble the students who came for practical training and the professors who were getting qualifications there. I had this first invaluable experience as a translator during this short time. Besides that I was a personal guide for these students. They asked me to talk about Arabic culture (unfortunately I couldn’t).

From general information in the Internet we learned what was expect-

ed of visitors in terms of behavior, dress code, and appropriate forms of communication. We learned, among other things, that we could be fined for “inappropriate” dress and therefore we had to be more covered and wear long clothes. The old saying “when in Rome, do as the Romans do” seems to fit here.

I noticed that even though there were people from many different countries there as either tourists or temporary workers, many of the local people still prefer to wear their customary clothing rather than adopt alternative styles. I also noticed that there were many visitors who adopted the local customary dress code while there which suggests an attitude of respect for local customs and traditions. It was also interesting to see that most of the women we met prefer less interaction in public with foreigner males while the local men interact easily with anyone. This is obviously a cultural practice which would take some time to understand and appreciate.

The most interesting thing was to realize that foreigners outnumbered the local community. It also seemed that the structure of labor in the country was that foreigners tended to occupy the more labor intensive jobs while the Arabic people tended

to have the more highly skilled and intellectual positions in the structure.

Logically, such a system decreases unemployment and raises living standards of local workers.

I enjoyed communicating with all of the people I met thank to my international communicative and language abilities and I really enriched my knowledge of the world while I simultaneously practiced translation and my work with the group. In addition to business appointments we also enjoyed our leisure time with the entertainment program we were provided with which consisted of sight-seeing tours and a trip in the desert Safari.

I was astonished with the Dubai Mall, one of the largest aquariums in the world and Ferrari World located in Abu-Dhabi. I had a special interest in the Safari where we rode a quadracycle on the desert and enjoyed the sight of local camels and eagles, belly dancing from both men and women, and ethnic cuisine. To my regret, these days went too quickly. Thank to this trip I have learned a lot about a new country – a country that has similarities and many differences with my own. Learning foreign languages opened the door to the world where I begin to realize my dreams!

Getting into the library mood!

By Edith Ifeoma Ajah

According to Shelly Foote, “A university is just a group of buildings gathered around a library”. So what a school thinks about its library should be a good measure of what it feels about education. A library is full of books, the books are full of knowledge. Eastern Mediterranean University feels good for its education but what do the students feel about the school library?

The university library transforms during exam times with students in every corner inside while the shops located close to the library stay opened 24 hours with so many potentially new (student) customers.

Exam periods are usually the busiest times for the library personnel, cleaners and student assistants.

But the question is this: where do students read during the non-examinations periods? Or, making the question a personal one: where do I study when exams are not being conducted?

I would say that the university library is not being used to its full potential outside examination periods. We have the right as univer-

sity students to take full advantage of this institutional space where information, connections, inspiration and exposure to what is happening around our world we live in is made available.

Let’s develop the habit of using the library every chance we have because it is an excellent studying environment and a wonderful place for quiet contemplation. Furthermore, the university library is a shelter from harsh weather, insects and excessive noise -- and a place to research assignments, study course packages and most especially access knowledge. Knowledge is free at the university library. Just bring your mind with you and carry as much as you can home.

Let’s decide this New Year to boldly

go where students ought to go – into the university library with our “containers” to carry ideas and knowledge! Let’s not leave the library only for exam times.

I am challenging all of us to walk through those doors into the university library. Yes, at the beginning it may seem hard for us – annoying and irritating even -- but one thing is for sure: we will be different people when we emerge from that special space, as long as we seize a book and flip through it! The knowledge we gain at that moment belongs to us and gives us advantages in our immediate and future lives that nobody can take from us.

Let’s not waste this opportunity – spend time in the university library and embrace it while it lasts.

The university library is not used to its full potential

Does makeup define your identity?

By Deborah Amokele Ugbe

Makeup is a substance used to enhance the beauty of a human body.

Makeup or “cosmetics” is derived from a Greek word kosmetike tekhne which means technique of dress and ornament. Makeup is used by both men and woman and has been in existence as far back as we can recall.

Today makeup is seen as an essential tool for beauty.

Some ladies today go crazy if a new product is produced! Cosmetic stores here in Famagusta explained to me that they get lots of customers, mostly women, every day coming to try new thing, and getting new things”. One important question always asked is, “am I nobody without makeup?” Lots of people say they

use makeup occasionally. According to Margaret Adebisi Adeyanju, “makeup has a way of changing one’s look and appearance, but does not means it should be used always and wrongly”. Others say makeup is the only way one can be appreciated in the world we live in today. “I can’t do a day without makeup; it’s the only way I find self-confidence and feel acceptance from people around me. When I am not wearing makeup, I am a different person”, says Abigail Nuhu.

Many women today make use of makeup to bring out the beauty that can’t be seen ordinarily. In the generation we look today, let’s think of who we are and find a way of improving our self-identity to be painted rightly in the society.

December 2014 - January 2015

7

St. Barnabas Museum Historically, Cyprus belongs to ancient Greek civilization. So this island has significant potential to represent the rich culture of Greek civilization. In this respect, some monuments in Cyprus tell us many stories about the cultures and adventures of Greek civilization.

By Jeiran Olyanasab

One of these monuments which I want to introduce is St. Barnabas’ Orthodox Church. This church is located in North Cyprus on the west side of salamis road. While visiting St. Barnabas I felt sure that it would be an interesting experience for the foreign students to visit the site in order to become familiar with this historical place. Before the visit, it would be useful to know who St. Barnabas was.

Indeed, St. Barnabas was a Christian theologian born at Salamis, but the date of his birth is not clear. Like many followers of Christ, Barn-

abas was a convert from Judaism to Christianity. Upon conversion, Barnabas persuaded Jewish believers to worship Jesus. In the Oxford Dictionary of the Christian church (1997) Barnabas’ original name was Joseph and he was a member of the Jewish Levites in Cyprus.

Then, under the doctrine of St. Paul he became an earliest Christian at Jerusalem; and St. Paul gifted the epithet of Apostle to him. The mythical date of his death has been put at 61 A.D. and Clement of Alexandria – church Father – ascribed the Epistle of Barnabas to him which included remonstrative statements against Judaism (159).

Consequently, Jews killed him and after four centuries his burial place unfolded to bishop Anthemios in a dream under the carob-tree. Then, in 477 A.D., Byzantine emperor Zeno ordered a Monastery to be built near his Mausoleum. In 1759, during the governance of the Ottoman Empire the present form of the monastery was built at the behest of Archbishop Philothoeos and many priests were educated during the Ottomans rule in this place. In the late twentieth century, this church as a Museum opened for visitors and tourists; also this church is very important for orthodox pilgrims. (See: http:// www.whatson-northcyprus.com).

The former monastery is now the home of an icon and archeology museum

Winter is here…

By Temitope Damilola

It’s that time of year again - cold and flu season! Combating those illnesses along with other winter health issues can be rough. However, being active and enjoying winter activities and sports is a great way to stay healthy. Learn how to adjust to cold conditions so you can enjoy the winter. Extreme cold is measured differently in different parts of the country. Whenever temperatures drop dramatically below normal, staying warm and safe can become challenging. In general, your risk of health effects like windburn and frostbite increase at wind chill values below 10 C. The wind can make cold temperatures feel even colder. The wind chill index measures what the temperature feels like on exposed skin based on the speed of the wind. A wind chill can cause your body to lose heat faster and your skin to freeze very quickly.

Who is at risk?

While anyone who isn’t dressed warmly is at risk in cold weather conditions, some are at greater risk

than others for frost bite and hypothermia: • Outdoor workers • People living in homes that are poorly insulated (with no heat or no power) • People with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and diseases affecting the blood vessels

Health risk of extremely cold

A normal body temperature is approximately 37ºC (99ºF). When your core body temperature drops by 1 or 2ºC (1.8 or 3.6ºF), or your body is exposed to severe cold it increases your risk of harmful effects.

Reduce your risk 1. Wear appropriate clothing • Always wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Synthetic and wool fabrics provide better insulation.

• Dress in layers with a wind resistant outer layer. You can remove layers if you get too warm (before you start sweating) or add a layer if you get cold.

• Wear warm socks, gloves, a hat and scarf in cold weather. Be sure to put a scarf over your nose to protect it.

• If you get wet, change into dry

clothing as soon as possible. You lose heat faster when you’re wet.

2. Protect yourself • On sunny days wear sun glasses, lip balm and sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays and keep it moisturized to help prevent windburn.

• Keep moving (especially your hands and feet) to keep your blood flowing and maintain your body heat.

• Even if you find shelter, keep moving to maintain your body heat.

3. Know the weather conditions • Pay attention to weather alerts in your area. Special weather statements and warnings are issued when weather is possible in your area.

4. Winterize your home • Prepare your home for cold winter temperatures by doing regular maintenance. Make sure your heating system is working efficiently and seal all cracks to keep the heat in.

5. Avoid alcohol • Consuming alcohol before you go out in the cold may increase your risk of hypothermia because it increases blood flow to the extremities of the body. You may actually feel warm even though you are losing heat.

Further, the Jewish Encyclopedia (1906) mentioned the three meanings of his name: “Bar Nahamah” (son of consolation), “Bar Nebuah” (son of exhortation), and “Barnebo” (son of Nebo).

As a visitor to Barnabas’ tomb, I have a lot to share. First of all, the architectural style of the church has similarities with ‘Byzantine’ and ‘Sasanian’ [Persian] architecture, and has many curved lines in design style. Features of this architecture can be seen in all Orthodox churches. Among all architectural decorations, only a few capitals have remained inside the church.

When the Barnabas church was turned into an Icon museum many paintings from other churches were collected there. The content of all these paintings imply Jesus and Apostles and the paintings belong to late nineteenth and first half of the twentieth century. Depictions of Jesus in these painting is reminiscent of the Byzantine style, and despite

the Renaissance style, the lack of perspective is quite evident in these works. The appearance of Jesus in childhood is depicted with adult faces which was a fashionable style for Jesus during the medieval era. Also, there are three frescos with narrative content in the icon museum, and one of these frescos demonstrates the adventurous story of tomb discovery.

In the monastery, the rooms merge into an Archeology museum and some tools such as weapons, axe head, bracelets, spindle whorls and so forth are displayed – some going back to ‘Neolithic’, ‘Early Bronze’, Middle Bronze’ and ‘Late Bronze’ ages. Besides the Museum and Church, another part of this monument is Barnabas’ Mausoleum which is located in front of the church with his grave located in an underground Cavernous cellar. When all is said and done, the flourishing landscape of Barnabas’ museum makes it a worthwhile place for visiting.

Switch off your phones in class!

By Temitope Damilola

Cell phones cause a concern for some educators. Professors are concerned that many students have become easily distracted in class as they try to carry on conversations with their friends over the phone during class hours.

For the student, this can lead to problems following lectures, participating in class discussion and ultimately a decline in grades and overall academic performance.

Furthermore, such behavior often distracts other students sitting close by – sometimes involving them in dramas that interrupt the course subject. Dramatics aside, the point is this: our phones may be keeping us from our studies.

How on earth can we focus on

the course materials with all the distractions that come with people locked into their phones and following all those social media updates?

There is no official cell phone policy though.

Instead, it is up to the lecturer’s discretion to decide whether to allow students to use cell phone or not. There are times when it is appropriate to use a cell phone and there times when it is not.

Cell phones affect grades because student may not focus as much as they need to and thus may miss a lot of necessary information.

Student may get zeros if they caught with phones on during quizzes.

Students may pass messages during class time which distract them from learning.

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December 2014 - January 2015

Best football players of all times

By Hope Ohiomoren

From a referendum conducted around the school and its vicinity, here is the EMU chapter best five footballer of all times.

2) Lionel Messi Personal information Full name: Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittin Date of birth: 24 June 1987 Place of birth: Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina Height: 1.69 m Playing position: Forward

1) Pele Personal information Full name: Edson Arantes do Nascimento Date of birth: 21 October 1940 Place of birth: Três Corações, Brazil Height: 1.73 m Playing position: Forward There is no doubt that he is one of the world successful player of all times who is the highest goal scorer in league games with 541 goals and also the most successful goal scorer of all times who scored 1281 goals in 1363 games including unofficial friendlies and tour games and he was listed in the Guinness book of records for most career goals scored in football. He is the only player to have won the World Cup for three times, in 1958, 1962 and 1970, he is the leading goal scorer of Brazil, scoring 77 goals in 92 games appearance.

He is also the all times goal scorer in his former club Santos.

Known for his goal scoring skills and his charming character off the pitch he became popular known during his career as the “black pearl” meaning the king of football. And in the year 1999 he was voted the World Player of the Century by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS).

To crowned him up as the number one footballer of all times. In In 1961, Brazil President Jânio Quadros had Pelé declared a national treasure later in 2013 he was awarded “ FIFA Ballon d’Or Prix d’Honneur ”in recognition of his career and achievements as a global icon of football.

5) Z Zidane Personal information Full name: Zinedine Yazid Zidane Date of birth: 23 June 1972 Place of birth: Marseille France Height: 1.85 m Playing position: Attacking midfielder

Although when Lionel Messi started his professional football and walked into film because of his football skills, many people linked and named him as the second Maradona.

But since the past years he has proven that he is not a Maradona but more than Maradona who has the hand of GOD, but he Messi uses his gifted left foot and he has earned the link name by fans and admirers as the “Messlymessi” because of the way he has memerise some players in the field of play due to his outrageous dribbling skills. Messi is no doubt a world beaker and he has proven that over and over again.

He is the only player in the planet as the world his concerned to have

won the best player of the year for four consecutive times and according to football critics and statistics there we not be a player to break this record at least not for the next decade to come.

Also known for his scoring abilities, Messi is the only player to hold a record in championship history as the first player to score five goals in one match. He also set an European record of most goals scored in a season with 73 goals, set the goal scoring record in a single La Liga season with 50 goals. Although Messi has done very well for himself and for his club Barcelona, but when it comes to national debut doing well, not so well, Messi has

3) Diego Maradona

4) Cristiano Ronaldo

Personal information Full name: Diego Armando Maradona Franco Date of birth: 30 October 1960 Place of birth: Lanús, Buenos Aires, Argentina Height: 1.65 m Playing position: Attacking midfielder, second strike

Personal information Full name: Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro Date of birth: 5 February 1985 Place of birth: Funchal, Madeira, Portugal Height: 1.85 m Playing position: Forward

His technique and left-foot is so magical. His strength, dribbling skills and close control combined to take him past defenders, has made him one of the best ever footballer in the planet by some critic experts.

Maradona is no doubt one of the greatest dribblers ever known in football, his pace and strength will be a memory to any football players who had played against him in his playing days. He has won the most valuable asset in the world of soccer which is the FIFA world cup in 1986 against Germany and His ‘Hand of God’ goal against England at the 1986 World Cup semi finals and the stunning solo effort that followed sum up this flawed genius better than any words.

Winning that match 2-1 will ever been remain a memory in the hearts of all England people.

Even his Argentine teammates are astonished in his techniques and style on playing the game for them winning that match.

The hand of god goal entered

There is no doubt that the French man had done very well for himself in the world of football. Zidane who is mostly known in the game as “zizou’’. Has won a lot of trophies for himself and aslo for his teams.

Known with the record of wining the fifa player of the year 3times, there no doubt when it comes to football he is the one of the world finest.

football history and was saturated by the media for two main soley reasons, firstly the first goal was an unpenalised handing foul of which he called the “hand of God” and the other second goal followed a 60 m dribble past five England players, and that goal was voted the “goal of the century” by FIFAa.com in 2002.

Although in the pitch while playing the game, he has been the best but outside the pitch, became a phenomenon for news figure. However, his love for drugs made his career very controversial.

He was suspended from football for 1year and 3months for failing a drug test in Italy and also sent home from the 1994 World Cup that took place in the United State. However, he has remained aprominent figure for all football players, critics and football fans in the world of football.

Although retired from the field but not from the game, he played as an attacking mildfielder for the French national team, juventus and realmadrid.

He his well known for his elegance, good vision and dribbling technique he was named the best european footballers for the past 50 years, in the UEFA Golden jubilee poll.

Winning the UEFA champions

The Portuguese wing wizard deserves his place among the pantheons of all times great player in a millennium. Since joining Real Madrid, from the red devils, Manchester United, his goal scoring records and abilities has been a phenominal force to be reckoned with. In January 2014 he notched his 400th carrer goal at the age of 28 and he is the fastest player to score 200 goals in La Liga. He has 3 times become the World FIFA player of the year in 2008 and has two consecutive times won it in a role 2013 and 2014 respectively. He is the current world footballer of the year, winning the trophies just at the early hour of the year ( January 12 , 2015 from Lionel Messi and Manuel Neur who were runners up respectively. C

legue, world cup, UEFA euro tornament, among others, there is hardly a title and trophy he has not won in the world of football.

Although speculation were made following his retirement in hıs last days on the pıtch in the world cup final against Italy who was infamously sent off for head-butting Marco materazzi in the chest that his career did not end well.

But he has since then gained more philomeneun in the world of football, as the manager(assiatnace) of realmardid, he has won for himself another UEFA championship and copel del rey medals respectively.

gotten agertinathe 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup which he won the best player of the tournament and also the higher goal scorer in the tournament which he netted 6 goals in the competition.

Captain the argentines and taken them to the just concluded FIFA world cup in Brazil, Messi showed his characters to critics by clinhing the second place of the tournament losing to Germany in the World Cup finals. If the merciless Messi could give Argentina the World Cup in the future to come, there will no word to categorize him, as for now, he is already a phenomenon and an icon not only in football but also in the world of sport.

Ronaldo is popularly known for his pace, strength and his hungry abilities to net goals. When it comes to club football he is no doubt one of the best football players known to the world. But the question here ask is how well has he done in his international debut with his home team Portugal? The Portuguese has been waiting for the world cup for a long period of time now and are waiting for C.Ronaldo who is the first Portuguese player to reach 50 international goal, making him Portugal top goal scorer in history, their country man to help them deliver the world most honorable trophies in the world of football, the world cup finals first position.

He is now the current coach of realmadrid team b , known as realmardidcastilla. Indeed he is one of the world greatest footballers of all time.

December 2014 - January 2015

9

Students of EMU overcome barriers

By EMU News

Students of Eastern Mediterranean University continue to introduce new social responsibility projects organised within the operations of Eastern Mediterranean University Community Involvement Center.

Within the framework of the project prepared in accordance with the Community Services course delivered by EMU academic staff member Barış Başel, Eastern Mediterranean University Educational Sciences Faculty, Psychological Counseling and Guidance Department 4th year students organised a conterence entitled ‘Share the Life with Me, Not the Disability’. The main speakers of the conference were Cyprus Handicapped Association chair Günay Kibrit, Murat Katrin, Sedat Hacımehmet and Çelen Çağansoy.

Stating that he has lived in the TRNC for 32 years as a physically handicapped individual, Kibrit put forth that he worked in collaboration with a considerable number of

non-governmental organisations and took part in numerous projects.

Stating that every single day, they question the limited progress they made in this area, Kibrit said that they are unable to make plans for future. Kibrit also put forth that in fighting disabilities, the TRNC was better equipped than Turkey until 2004. However, it is unfortunate that during the current time, we are 10 years backwards than Turkey.

Following Kibrit, Sedat Hacımehmet took the stage and stated that he is currently employed at a TV channel with one of his close friends Murat Katrin. Expressing his determination in continuing the fight for the disabled, Hacımehmet complained about the parking spaces designated for the disabled being occupied by others with no disabilities. Hacımehmet stated that for people as such penal sanctions should be implemented.

Following Hacımehmet, Murat Katrin started his speech by giving information on the concept of ‘aware-

ness and sensitivity”. Stating that the government and the architects are the two parties creating barriers for the disabled, Katrin put forth that they will continue their struggle as usual.

In her speech, Çelen Çağansoy stated that she was born as a spastic and added that this disorder may happen during labour or post labour stage due to low oxygen flow to the brain. Çağansoy put forth that she encounters motor system problems and is unable to move on her own.

Following the speakers, Turkish Cypriot singer Mehmet Geçit entertained the audience with his songs.

On the other hand, EMU Communication Faculty Public Relations and Advertising Department students Gül Angı, Mehmet Güven, Gül Gül and Cansu Tuncay participated in a project entitled “Let’s Watch a Film without Barriers”. Taking place under the coordinatorship of academic staff member Anıl Kemal Kaya, 50 disabled children were given the opportunity of watching a movie

EMU Community Involvement Center organized a number of social responsibility projects entitled “Madagascar” at Famagusta Lemar Shopping Center.

Another project by Eastern Mediterranean University Communication Faculty, Public Relations and Advertising Department students Samet Bıyıklı, Fadıl Isgandarov, Fuad Safaraliyev and Sirac Talibov took place under the supervision of academic staff member Umut Ayman.

The activity which was organised

towards the students of İrfan Nadir Rehabilitation Center was sponsored

by Famagusta Pierre Loti and Meeting Place.

Within the framework of the project, students of İrfan Nadir Rehabilitation Center had breakfast at Famagusta Meeting Place. After breakfast, students were taken to Pierre Loti and had great time at a party specially organised for them.

Gündem hosted Emin Özmen and İsmet Özgüren

Emin Özmen (in the middle) gave a talk on photojournalism

By EMU News World Press Photo award receiver photojournalist Emin Özmen participated in Eastern Mediterranean University Communication Faculty’s in-house newspaper Gündem’s talk event entitled ‘Photo Journalism’.

Famous for his war photos, Özmen started the talk with a slide show

consisting of his works as well as a documentary screening on Gezi incidents in Turkey. Emin Özmen stated that he photographs war zones due to an urge to understand the causes of war.

Talking about an incidental encounter of execution he witnessed in Syria, Özmen stated that he feels obliged to inform the world on

what’s actually happening in war zones. Emin Özmen also stated that he photographed Soma disaster.

Currently employed at Le Journal Agency established with 14 other friends of his, Özmen invited EMU students to pursue internship opportunities at their agency.

At the end of the talk, EMU Communication Faculty Vice Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nurten Kara presented lefkara lace handicraft to Emin Özmen.

One Piece of News, Four Scripts

Turkish Cypriot journalist İsmet Özgüren gave conference entitled “One Piece of News, Four Scripts” at Eastern Mediterranean University Communication Faculty.

Participating in the conference as

the guest of EMU Communication Faculty student application newspaper Gündem, Özgüren provided detailed information on how to script and present a single news item at a newspaper, television, radio and internet. Sharing his different versions of scripts on drugs with students, Özgüren answered students’ questions. Özgüren put forth that radio news should contain short and explicit sentences as long news scripts are not suitable for radio. Özgüren added that TV news should contain a large number of visuals and newspapers are more suitable places for long news scripts to appear.

Talking about the possibilities of internet journalism, Özgüren stated that Cyprus Turkish internet media is still at its beginning stage.

Following Özgüren, EMU Com-

İsmet Özgüren munication Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Süleyman İrvan stated that any news item should be produced with decency and should not deviate from what actually happened. Prof. Dr. İrvan also put forth that news on drugs or suicide should be produced with extreme care so that they do not motivate others to engage in such activities.

FCMS students visited Çağlayan Orphanage

By EMU News Eastern Mediterranean University Community Involvement Center introduced another social responsibility project under the coordinatorship of Barış Başel. Within the framework of the social responsibility course delivered by EMU Communication Faculty, Public Relations and Advertising Department academic staff members Umut Ayman and İpek Halim and in collaboration with EMU Communication Faculty

Genesis IMC Agency, students paid a visit to Çağlayan Orphanage in Nicosia.

During the visit which took place prior to New Year’s Eve, a party was organised for children and youngsters living in Çağlayan Orphanage. Additionally, students visiting the orphanage delivered some items of need and showed interest to each and every resident of the orphanage.

At the end of the party, residents of the orphanage were given presents by the students of EMU Communication Faculty.

Student of EMU Communication Faculty organized a new year party at the orphanage

10

December 2014 - January 2015

Students of EMU Communication Faculty presented nine documentaries

By EMU News Eastern Mediterranean University Communication Faculty, Radio, TV and Cinema Department final year students presented the documentaries they produced as their graduation project. Famous Turkish Cypriot director Derviş Zaim, Radio-TV, Cinema and Journalism Department Chair Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hanife Aliefendioğlu, academic staff members and students attended the documentary screening which took place at Communication Faculty Purple Hall.

Prior to the documentary screening, Derviş Zaim addressed the audience

Good to know: 10 interesting facts

By Hope Ohiomoren 1) Istanbul Turkey is the only city in the world to be located on two continents.

2) It is impossible to sneeze with your eyes open.

3) “Dreamt” is the only English word that ends in the letters “mt”.

4) It is impossible to dream with a language you don’t understand or speak.

5) Almost 70 percent of English word stock is borrowed from other languages. For example, “photography” and “democracy” are words coined from Greek, “piano” from Italian, “they” from Scandinavian, “sport” from old French, “real” from Spanish and “ballet” from French.

6) The first person to urinate on the moon was Buzz Aldin, after stepping onto the lunar surface.

7) 111,111x111,111 = 123456,54321 8) In 1836 a pig in France was executed by public hanging for the murder of a child 9) Do you know what is special about the following sentence?

‘The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog’. This type of sentence is called a ‘pangram’ as it uses every letter in the English alphabet.

10) Millions of years ago, a day was only 20 hours along, A few million year from now, it will be 27 hours long in another million years to come.

and stated that film projects should always be one of the components of Radio, TV and Cinema studies. Zaim also put forth that while producing movies, students should always keep academic anxiety, media aesthetics and time management in their minds.

Among the documentaries which were produced in Turkish were Aybeniz Küzeci’s documentary entitled “Aslan Mengüç in His Seventies”, Semra Ergenç’s production “Judge Bilgehan”, Caney Göray’s documentary entitled ‘Gülçin Ersoy’, Veysel Şengün’s documentary ‘Ulubatlı’ and Emrah Afacan’s production entitled ‘Dinçer Raif’. The documentary screening also featured documen-

taries produced by international students some of which were Omar Alkhatib’s documentary ‘Cyprus Diving’, Blessing Moses’ work on famous Nigerian rapper ‘Elbee’, Valentine Ebuetse’s documentary entitled ‘Jokavana’ and Samira Sanni’s work entitled “Towards Fame”.

Journalism, Radio, TV and Cinema Department Chair Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hanife Aliefendioğlu stated that receiving courses from famous director Derviş Zaim is a great opportunity for students. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aliefendioğlu added that the faculty plans to continue to benefit from Derviş Zaim’s expertise during the upcoming semesters.

Turkish Cypriot film director Derviş Zaim

Collection of thoughts

By Edith Ifeoma Ajah

No one is superior by size but by purpose.

• Thinking before you do anything is better than thinking what more you could have done.

So take time and think. Haste is often a waste.

• Challenges are tough to those who never face them but easy to those who accept them. Accept every challenge with a smile and see it disappear!

• Mistakes are painful when they happen but years later a collection of mistakes add up to experience and it is this that leads to success.

• Life should be measured not by the numbers of years but rather by the love shared, the memories made, the joy given and the blessings received.

• Never let the word “impossible” stop you from pursuing what your heart and spirit tell you to do. Impossible things happen every day.

• Success lies not in the result, but in the effort. Being the best is not at all important, doing your best is all that matter.

• A pessimist complains about the wind and an optimist expects it to change; a realist chooses to adjust to the conditions.

• A great thing a little lamp can do that the huge sun cannot do is that it can spread light at night.

• If you lose an opportunity, don’t close your eyes with tears. Keep your vision clear, so that you don’t miss the second chance.

• Greatness of people is not measured by their strength but by how tall they stand every time they gets knocked down.

Students of EMU celebrated Christmas

By EMU News

International students who study at various departments of Eastern Mediterranean University distributed chocolates throughout the university to celebrate Christmas and mark the birth of Jesus Christ on 25 December 2014. Organised by EMU International Office, a group of international students dressed up as Santa Claus and visited Rector’s Office, Accounting Office, Registrar’s Office as well as various faculties and units.

Students also walked around the

campus and distributed chocolates to students. Christian students observed Christmas through the “Christmas Party” organised by the International Office at Rauf Raif Denktaş Culture and Congress Center on 26 December 2014. The event hosted the opening addresses of Vice Rector for Promotion Prof. Dr. Hasan Amca and church leader Jerry Mattix.

Students had a wonderful night with the fascinating dance shows of Russian and Kazakh students as well as poems and songs sang in different languages.

“Eat to live, not live to eat”

By Edith Ifeoma Ajah

Junk food joints and shops decorate streets during the day and beautify them at night – cheerful waiters beckoning passers-by to tables with colorful table-clothes surrounded by chairs and soaked in the aromas of a multiplicity of cooked foods.

Junk food has often saved the visitor

and the local alike. When one has no time to cook or shop, the junk food restaurant steps in and solves the problem. But what is this junk food?

Junk food is a name given to food low in nutrients in the form of snacks or fast food. It is cheap and easy to handle but should not be eaten too often as part of one’s diet. It is not something we should depend on for survival. The truth about this

category of food is this: when eaten in place of fresh wholesome food, it can destroy our health.

“True healthcare reform starts in your kitchen, not in fast food joints” “Keep your friends close, your enemies closer, and the junk food as far away as possible.”

“Eat to live, not live to eat.”

Socrates (469-399 BC)

11

December 2014 - January 2015

Prepared by Edith Ifeoma Ajah

Trace from the puzzle the qualities of a student as listed below KNOWLEDGE UNDERSTANDING GOOD LISTENER ENERGETIC DUTIFUL TRUSTWORTHY SELF-DISCIPLINE HARDWORKING COMPASSION PERCEPTIVENESS TIME MANAGE RESPONSIBLE PERSEVERANCE ACADEMIC SKILLS

RESPECTFUL ATTITUDE GOO HABITS PATIENTS ABILITY INTEGRITY CITIZENSHIP ACTIVE OBEDIENT SINCERE CONFIDENT HONESTY NOBLE

SUDOKU 5

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A X U N D E R S T A N D I N G D S T I M E M A N A G E N F C

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D B O G R N S B D I S N H E S B C S B D Z P M T L Z I F A I

E P O H B X E L N T P A U C E C I T A S C G E I S N L L I Z

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COMMITTEE OF ADVISORS Prof. Dr. Süleyman İrvan Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hanife Aliefendioğlu Assist. Prof. Dr. Pembe Behçetoğulları Assist. Prof. Dr. Metin Ersoy

PUBLISHER On behalf of Eastern Mediterranean University Rector (a) Prof. Dr. Necdet Osam

ENGLISH SECTION EDITOR Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mashoed Bailie

K P T C I B A V I I I N G C S J R H C P E X Q M E U E B A I

I U E B B M R F M G F I C H C S E Y S J C A O E S I R E K P

L M N Q N L D D T Q U D O E I K B W R E T J C F P A G B R A

L C E K S U W V C C L L M P P U H C N R F T C A R H R C A N

S Q R D I Y O B Q H K P P N L T X A C F U S K C A T I I N R

T F N G N A R S K Y L R A F I E C B B O L O E A I J T K A E

M Z L B C Z D L P L K O S P N U K I Q C L Y C Z P I Y C C S

U M Z V E E I U E X S S S H E T I L R A I N B U A I B K T P

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K V S K C C U V E O C M N P Q N X Y T R Z R T I E K K T E S

G T S C G I K C R F N G S Z I E P I E B S P U H N S D E P I

P E R C E P T I V E N E S S F C B E J E Q Z V I T L H D P B

M I M V S N H J E H O P T J E A O K O B E D I E N T E E M L

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N L K J F K D U R G W R G Y H Z C L M G B I J H G I A C B E

H O N E S T Y L A O R P E D O E K N O W L E D G E M F L D J

K I K G J Y H Z N L H Z O O F O S F U Z E O P K N A R S A A

Z O K O I F O U C U I O R Z Q A Y H C O N F I D E N T T C F

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K X Z F E C G D S G A N O O D U D T C S C A S U I S C E V N

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Q I E S R V N I R I C I I A H T D I S P D Z D I T G L E I O

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ayça Atay

S R S I E D H S D G T G B M I I T T P R P R B I R C T C A H

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C L I G T O I A U E U B I H D S Q R Z C S O Z E R P N S R S

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I X L Y G S Y U G D D O G B F A S O C K E B A S P P I A M N

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M R D Q U F V R G U S Y I F L U P W I E R T S K R N L E B E

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A I G C E U O A D T B M B U D U B U S X I J E I I D E S A T

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C A E I X P Q D W T E O X A E R Z R A E C O N S G O I M B I

WORD PUZZLE

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DESIGN CONSULTANT Engin Aluç GRAPHIC DESIGN Sertaç Özdemir Can Bekcan PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Mert Yusuf Özlük CONTRIBUTORS Abigail Nuhu

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Abiola Simbiat Aigerim Sabit Deborah Amokele Ugbe Edith Ifeoma Ajah Elnaz Nasehi Femi Onifade Gulsaya Kaisagaliyeva Hope Ohiomoren Jeiran Olyanasab Munbang Sheena Dimka Temitope Damilola Victor Gamba

Eastern Mediterranean University, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies Tel : 0392 630 25 70 E-mail : gundem@emu.edu.tr Printed at EMU Printing House

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