Organized by Girne American University Faculty of Communication, a presentation entitled

“Past to Present - Cyprus Media by Ahmet Tolgay”, was held in the Millennium Senate Congress Hall.

The opening speech was given by GAU CEO and Vice-Chancellor of the Board of Administrators Assist. Prof. Dr. Asım Vehbi.

Vehbi: “A significant figure in Cyprus Turkish Media, is Ahmet Tolgay”

“Mr. Ahmet Tolgay will provide you with important aspects. As I remember from my childhood, Tolgay used to publish his writings in 2 of the few published newspapers. In addition to this he used to be a court reporter. Nevertheless he has more experiences to mention. As I remember, Tolgay is a significant figure in Cyprus Turkish media as he contributed to journalism and authorship in the years of the Cyprus Turkish Struggle.”

Vehbi also stated that “As we look back at the past and up to the present, we have developed into a Republic with 13 local newspapers and many internet based journals from a period when there were only 2-3 local newspapers. This has developed in a short period of time.” Vehbi finally declared his appreciation to Ahmet Tolgay for visiting GAU and to the Faculty of Communication for the organization of the event.

The Dean of the GAU Faculty of Communication - Dr. Neriman Saygılı further added in her opening speech:

“The Faculty of Communication has always mentioned Cyprus Turkish media in their lectures and emphasized the struggling character of the Cyprus Turkish Media. A significant figure in Cyprus Turkish Media, Ahmet Tolgay is well-known for his contributions in the years of struggle.” Saygılı finally thanked Tolgay for his contribution.
Ahmet Tolgay, in his speech, stated that the Chair for the GAU Health Culture and Sports Department - Türkay Akpınar, is very valuable to him and that the Dean of GAU Faculty of Communication Dr. Neriman Saygılı has been contributing to Cyprus Turkish Media effectively since the early days of her profession.

Tolgay: “Cyprus Turkish Media has contributed significantly in the years of struggle”

Continuing his speech, Tolgay referred to the Cyprus Turkish Media day which has been celebrated annually on 11 June. Tolgay reported that the commencement of the active role of Cyprus Turkish Media occurred following the exile of Namık Kemal to Cyprus and the publishing of the first Turkish newspaper - “Ümit Journal” by Alexa thus contributing to the initiation of the media struggle. Nevertheless the newspaper was only able to be published for 3 years due to oppression by the English, Tolgay added that following the exile and subsequent to the shut-down of the Ümit Journal, Alexa began to publish Söz Journal in Egypt - inspired from the Ümit Journal. Halkın Sesi (Voice of the Public) Journal was the first to be printed in colour after monetary funds by Turkey to Cyprus Turkish Media in the 1950’s.
Tolgay added that the first radio attempt of Cyprus Turkish Media began with Bayrak Radio and this was followed by Limassol and Lefke Radio. Since 1974, television was broadcast to safeguard the Cyprus Turkish Media.

Continuing his speech, Tolgay underlined the establishment years of the Turkish Agency Cyprus (TAK) and answered the questions raised by the audience.

Following the presentation, GAU CEO and Vice-Chancellor of the Board of Administrators - Assist. Prof. Dr. Asım Vehbi presented a plaque of appreciation to Ahmet Tolgay for his contribution.