Sponsored by The George Washington University

In Collaboration With

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CALL FOR PAPERS

International Society for Educational Planning (ISEP) in collaboration with Cyprus Educational Research Association (CERA)

For

44th ANNUAL MEETING

Kyrenia, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

 

October 15-18, 2014

 

CONFERENCE THEME 

Educational Planning Reforms in Developing Countries in the 21st Century

 


WHO ATTENDS THE CONFERENCE?

 

Pre-School through Higher Education Faculty · Educational Planners · Policy Makers · Researchers · Leaders Involved in Educational Planning · Educational and Government Consultants · Government Representatives · Local Government Leaders · Business and Corporate Leaders · Community People Involved in Educational Planning · Graduate Students 

 

DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSALS: The conference planners are especially interested in obtaining original manuscripts dealing directly with the general theme of the conference.  This theme focuses on challenges in planning, educational change, and educational improvement at national and international levels as well as cross-culturally.  The challenges presented in school planning, change, and improvement today are more pressing and more difficult than ever.  Challenges to various groups, individuals, and movements throughout the world will be explored at this conference, as well as solutions that have been identified and implemented in schools.  For this reason, the conference planners will encourage individuals to explore these phenomena as thoroughly as possible by submitting appropriate papers.  Notwithstanding these criteria, the conference planners are interested in all aspects of planning and will consider original manuscripts dealing with any aspect of educational planning and policy implementation.  Participants may consider submitting proposals under any of the following categories: 

Thematic Paper Session: The paper is an individual paper presentation on the theory, process, or application of educational planning and policy implementation.  This forum provides the opportunity for individual presenters to deliver a position paper, a paper describing existing initiatives or practices, or a paper that addresses a needed innovation in education at all levels of the instructional spectrum.  Each individual presenter should anticipate no more than 20 minutes for presentation, including questions. 

Roundtable/Panel Discussion: The leader of a small number of presenters (between 3-5) coordinates the preparation and presentation of ideas and questions related to the conference theme or other issues related to educational planning and policy implementations (50 minutes). 

Symposium Thematic Session: This forum provides the opportunity for a session organizer to submit a proposal in which multiple presenters deliver a diverse range of viewpoints on a major issue or practice related to the theme or some aspect of educational planning (50 minutes). 

Working Paper Session: Well-developed drafts of papers are sent to reviewers.  In this session, an editor/reviewer will provide suggestions/comments for use in writing the paper for presentation and/publication.


PROPOSAL SUBMISSION:  The proposal should comprise (1) a cover page and (2) a    250 - 500 word description. 

Cover Page, includes: Title of presentation, type of session proposed (thematic paper roundtable/panel discussion, symposium thematic session, working paper session), and session organizer (name, title, institution mailing address, telephone, fax number, e-mail address, and additional presenters name, title, and institution) 

Description of Presentation (250-500 words), includes: Title of proposal, objectives for the session, summary of substantive content of the proposal, plans for participants' involvement, and audio-visual equipment to be used in the presentation.  (Please specify: flip chart, overhead projector, slide projector, and/or LED Projector).  Any proposal selected for presentation and not requesting the necessary audio-visual equipment prior to the conference may encumber personal financial responsibility for the use of such equipment at the time of presentation

 

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Send all Proposals to: 

Assist.  Prof. Dr. Kemal A. Batman, Cyprus Educational Research Association (President of CERA), North Cyprus via e-mail: kemalbatman2014@gmail.com

A double blind, peer review process will be used to select proposals to be presented at the conference.

Proposals sent electronically should be in This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it MICROSOFT WORD and included as an attachment to the e-mail message.  Deadline for submission of proposalsAugust 1, 2014.  All session organizers and authors will be notified electronically of the status of their proposals no later than August 15, 2014.  All presenters listed in the accepted proposals must pay the full registration fee, even if they attend the conference only on the day of their presentation.  The full registration fee must be received by the International Society for Educational Planning (ISEP) no later than September 1, 2014 in order for the presentation and the presenter to be listed on the conference program.  Any author identified in the presentation, but not officially registered for the conference by the due date, will not be listed in the official program of the conference.  Presenters should have at least 30-50 copies of handouts/materials for conference attendees or provide an electronic file on a CD.  Proposals submitted after the deadline cannot be guaranteed consideration.  Additionally, in order to be considered for inclusion in the program, all proposals must be complete and must conform to the proposal submission guidelines. 

OUTSTANDING DISSERTATION AWARDSThe International Society for Educational Planning recognizes outstanding dissertations related to all aspects of educational planning.  The Society will consider dissertations that have been completed in 2013 or 2014 that resulted in the award of a terminal degree.  We encourage the submission of dissertations on any aspect of planning.  Dissertations that deal with planning and program implementation on the international, state/provincial, regional, local and individual school or building levels are welcomed.  More than one award may be made at each annual meeting.  Individuals who have recently been conferred their doctoral degree may individually submit their dissertation for consideration.  The chairperson of the dissertation committee or any member of the committee also may recommend a dissertation for consideration.  Individuals who are chosen for recognition will be asked to make a presentation of their findings at the annual meeting.  In addition, these individuals will be asked to submit a manuscript to the Society’s journal, Educational Planning.  An unbound copy of the dissertation should be sent to facilitate distribution to the committee for a double blind review.  Complete identification including name, address, phone number, and email address should accompany the dissertation on a separate page.  Deadline for submission is July 1, 2014.  Individuals to be recognized will be notified no later than July 15, 2014.  Interested candidates/nominees are encouraged to submit abstracts to: Dr. Robert Johnson at: rcjohnson@stcloud.edu

Please feel free to contact Professor Johnson with any questions about this outstanding academic competition. 

 

 

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION:


The regular conference registration fee for this event includes: conference materials and supplemental supplies as well as 3 continental breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, and morning and afternoon refreshment breaks.


You can pay here using our PayPal account or you can mail payment by check, money order, or PO (see below).


Regular Registration$250

Regular Registration + Spouse/Guest$450
Graduate Student$275

Graduate Student + Spouse/Guest$475

One Day Registration$135

One Day Registration + Spouse/Guest$270


If you can not pay with a credit card then you can send payment by check, money order, or PO --along with your full name, address, and institutional information -- to:

Dr. Glen I. Earthman
2903 Ashlawn Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24060-8101, USA
E-mail: earthman@vt.edu

  

CONFERENCE ACCOMMODATIONS: 


ALL INCULUSIVE CONCEPTS: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be included in the hotel registration and will be in the “SUN-SET” Restaurant which has an open buffet.  During your meal, local drinks with or without alcohol and soft drinks will be available.  In addition, the Lobby Bar will be open and free between 10:00AM and 24:00.

The dates of the conference are October 16-18, but registration will take place October 15 which is a Wednesday.  If a registrant stays only two nights the hotel rate is:

·         Villa+Hotel rooms per person per night/all inclusive: 75.00- EURO                              

·         Sng Villa+Hotel room per night/all inclusive: 112.50 - EURO                                                       

 

If the conference registrant stays three or more nights the hotel rate is:

·         Villa+Hotel rooms per person per night/all inclusive: 70.00- EURO                             

·         Sng Villa+Hotel room per night/all inclusive: 105.00 - EURO 

 

Children Reductions (Sharing the same room with parents):  

0        – 3 age Free, 4 – 12 age %50

·         Single  Supplement  50% more

·         Third Person Discount: 25%

The conference hotel rate is good two days before and two days after the conference dates.

Remember to make your room reservations as soon as possible and be sure to identify that you are an ISEP Conference Registrant Acapulco Hotel & Resort & Convention & SPA website:

http://www.acapulco.com.tr/en

 

Tel. No.: +90 392 650 45 00
Tel. No.: +90 392 444 68 35
Tel. No.: +90 392 824 4110 - 11
Tel. No.: +90 392 824 4449

Fax: +90 392 824 4455

E-mails:
To make reservations email us at reservations@acapulco.com.tr
To obtain additional information email us at  info@acapulco.com.tr 

 

CONFERENCE TRAVEL INFORMATION:

 

The Island of Cyprus is divided into two countries, North Cyprus (Turkish) and the Republic of Cyprus (Greek).  The conference hotel is located in the city of Kyrenia (Girne), which is in North Cyprus.  There are three major airports serving the Island of Cyprus.  Two of the airports are in North Cyprus – TRNC and Ercan.  The TRNC airport is near Nicosia and Ercan is near Kyrenia.  The third airport is in southern Cyprus and is the Larnaca International Airport.  The Larnaca International Airport is the largest of the three.

All major airlines serve these airports and tickets can be secured from them.  The Turkish Airline services the TRNC and Ercan airports, but flights from the US go through Istanbul and then to North Cyprus.  The major travel services (Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity, Cheap Flights and others) all provide tickets to these airports at reasonable costs.

The conference hotel is nearer the airports in North Cyprus and can be reached by Taxi in 25-30 minutes from the Ercan Airport.  The travel from the Larnaca Airport is a little longer as one must go through the checkpoint between southern and northern Cyprus.  This is a 30-40 minute Taxi ride.

As stated in the accompanying material, travelers from the European Union or the United States or Canada do not need a visa to enter Cyprus.  Each person, however, should check to determine if they will need a visa and should allow for plenty of time to obtain it.  

ADDITIONAL QUERIES:

If you have any further questions, please contact Kemal Akkan Batman, Conference Chair, at Cyprus Educational Research Association (President of CERA), North Cyprus, e-mail: kemalbatman2014@gmail.com or call directly at +90 0533 880 55 22 for information about The International Society for Educational Planning and its work, or use the web site at: html://www.isep.info/

 

Check List for Deadlines:

            August 1, 2014 Deadline for submission of dissertations for consideration for the ISEP Dissertation Award

            August 1, 2014 Deadline for submission of presentation proposals

            August 15, 2014 Deadline for notification of acceptance of proposals

            September 1, 2014 Deadline for making hotel reservations at the special conference rate.

 

General Information about North Cyprus

Cyprus is located in the northeastern part of the east Mediterranean Basin and is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia.  It is 71 kilometers south of Turkey, 98 kilometers west of Syria and 384 kilometers north of Egypt.

As the third largest island in the Mediterranean, Cyprus has been occupied by a succession of civilizations over the past 2000 years, all of whom have left their mark.  History abounds everywhere; from the three great Crusader castles built in the time of Richard the Lionhearted, to the Roman ruins at Salamis.  Each conquering empire has contributed to the beauty and culture of this remarkable island.  In the 8th Century BC, the island was part of the Assyrian empire, then the Babylonian, Egyptian and Persian Empires.  In 58 BC, the Cyprus Island was seized by the Romans.  Richard the Lionhearted settled on the island in 1191 during the third crusade.  Cyprus remained in Lusignan possession until captured by the Venetians in 1489.  From 1571 to 1878, the island was ruled by the Ottomans until they leased its administration to Britain.

Cyprus’ independence was granted in 1960.  The Greek Cypriots and the Greek mainland military created a coup in 1974 and Turkey was forced to intervene to safeguard the interest of the Turkish Cypriots.  The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was subsequently proclaimed in 1983.  The main income in North Cyprus is from tourism although citrus fruits, olives and other crops are widely exported.

 

 

Entry Requirements

The citizens of Australia, Canada, European Union (EU) nations, Iceland, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Turkey, the United States, and Japan do not require visas for visits up to 90 days.

Turkish citizens can enter North Cyprus with identity cards instead of national passports for visits not exceeding 90 days.

All other nationals should check their position with regard to passports and visas with the nearest Embassy or Office of Representative of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Population of North Cyprus

The population of North Cyprus is 294,401 according to the 2011 census.  98% of the population in North Cyprus is Muslim.  The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is a democratic, secular government.  As of 1974, there are two separate governments on the Island.  Cyprus is a member of the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the British Commonwealth, and a member of the Non-Aligned Movement. 

 

Currency

The unit of currency in North Cyprus is Turkish Lira (TL).  Most businesses will also accept payments in main foreign currencies such as Euro (€), Pound Sterling (£) and US Dollar ($).  Most major international credit cards are accepted by hotels, restaurants, and shops.  Please consult your bank for information on additional charges.

 

 

 

Language

Turkish is the official language of North Cyprus, but English is also widely used and understood.  The Turkish Cypriot community speaks in the Turkish-Cypriot dialect. 

Electricity

The electric service in Northern Cyprus is 240 Volts AC throughout the country.  Sockets are the British 3-pin variety.  Plug adapters are available to purchase at most supermarkets. 

 

 

Telephone

When calling to North Cyprus from outside, your country code and area codes are as follows.
Country Code: 0090
Area Code: 0392
 

You can purchase 'pay-as-you-go' mobile telephone credit cards ('Kontor' in Turkish) in all main cities in Northern Cyprus and on arrival at Ercan Airport.  TRNC Vodafone and Turkcell are the two main GSM operators, who also provide international communication with roaming outside of North Cyprus. 

North Cyprus Climate and Weather

The weather of North Cyprus is typically Mediterranean with long dry summers and short, rainy winters.  The average annual temperature is 19ºC (66ºF).  The temperature in midsummer can soar over 40ºC (105ºF) with the warmest sea temperature in the Mediterranean, averaging 21ºC (75ºF).  The winter weather in North Cyprus is very mild and there is an average annual rainfall of 500 mm. Cyprus enjoys the best Mediterranean climate with approximately 340 days of sunshine per year.  The swimming season in Northern Cyprus practically starts from April and does not end until November 

 

Cuisine

The delectable and unique cuisine of Cyprus has been influenced by different cultures throughout history.  A true amalgamation of the east and the west, Cypriot cuisine has become something of an “oriental” hit.  Among the frequently used ingredients are meat, seafood, fresh fruit, and vegetables.  Up to twenty types of hors d’oeurves or mezes are served with most meat dishes.  Some of these include cacık (cucumber, mint, and yoghurt dip), hummus, fava beans, pickles, salad, various types of olives, and halloumi.  This hard, salty cheese is exceptionally delicious when grilled.

 

Seafood dishes are abundant and very popular in Cypriot cuisine.  Another Cypriot speciality is a dish called “molehiya”, a green, leafy vegetable cooked with meat or poultry that smells like mint, looks like basil and tastes like okra.  This plant is indigenous to Cyprus and the banks of the Nile.  “Kolokas” (colocasi/taro) is a popular root vegetable, which looks like celeriac and is slightly sweeter than potatoes.  It is typically cooked with lemon and celery.  Some of the most popular meat dishes are oven kebab, kleftigo and şeftali kebab (minced meat formed into a sausage shape and wrapped in caul fat).

 

 

Shopping in Northern Cyprus

Shopping in NorthCyprus is very enjoyable. You may make it traditional and visit well-known high street shops, or more exciting by visiting eccentric souvenir and gift shops, exploring the diversity of the Northern Cyprus flea markets and bazaars. You will find unique collections of Turkish pottery, silk, cushion covers, copper, bronze, onyx objects and Turkish dolls.

 

Jewelry shops in Northern Cyprus keep a great variety of gold and silverware of unique design. Great shopping bargains in North Cyprus include the famous Lefkara lace, with designs inspired by the intricate clothes of the Venetians rulers of North Cyprus. The finest Lefkara lace is to be found in specialist shops, and is incredibly delicate work. The lace found in Northern Cyprus markets is Lefkara embroidery lace, which is more robust, and hence is better for everyday use. For a fun, functional and funky present, find room in your suitcase for a traditional North Cyprus wicker basket or two, or the colourful Northern Cyprus wicker trays that brings instant Mediterranean sunshine to any dinner table!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North Cyprus History

The Island of Cyprus has a long and varied history, ever since the first settlers came to the island in around 8500B.C. The abundance of copper and timber on the island, combined with its position in the middle of the major trading routes made Cyprus irresistible to a whole range of foreign powers, including the Phoenicians, Assyrians, Persians, Egyptians, Greeks and Ottomans.

 

In Bronze Age (2500-1050BC) copper was more extensively exploited bringing wealth to Cyprus. Trade developed with the Near East, Egypt and the Aegean countries, where Cyprus was known as Alasia. During the 12th and 11th centuries mass waves of Achaean Greeks came to settle on the Cyprus Island spreading the Greek language, religion and customs. They gradually took control over Cyprus and establish the first city-kingdoms of Paphos, Salamis, Kition and Kourion.

 

During Hellenistic Period (325-58 BC) after the rivalries between Alexander's generals, Cyprus eventually came under the Hellenistic state of the Ptolemies of Egypt, and from then onwards belonged to the Greek Alexandrine world. The Ptolemies abolished the city-kingdoms and unified Cyprus with Paphos as the capital city.

 

It was in the Roman period (58BC - 330AD) when Cyprus came under the dominion of the Roman Empire. During the missionary journey of Saints Paul and Barnabas, the Proconsul Sergius Paulus was converted to Christianity and Cyprus became the first country to be governed by a Christian. Destructive earthquakes occurred during the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD and cities had to be rebuilt. In 313 the Edict of Milan granted freedom of worship to Christians.

 

During Byzantine Period (330-1191 AD) after the division of the Roman Empire, Cyprus became a part of the Eastern Roman Empire, known as Byzantium with Constantinople as its capital. Christianity became the official religion. In 647 Arabs invade the island under Muawiya. For three centuries Cyprus was constantly under attack by Arabs and pirates until 965, when Emperor Nicephoros Phocas expeled Arabs from Cyprus.

 

In Lusignan Period (1192-1489) Cyprus was ruled on the feudal system and the Catholic Church officially replaces the Greek Orthodox, which under severe suppression manages to survive.

 

Venetian Period started in 1489 and lasted until 1571. Venetians view Cyprus as a last bastion against the Ottomans in the east Mediterranean and fortify the island, tearing down lovely buildings in Lefkosia to reduce the boundaries of the city within fortified walls. They also build impressive walls around Ammochostos which were considered at the time as works of art of military architecture.

 

In 1570 Ottoman troops attacked Cyprus and they captured Nicosia and the Ccommander Marc Antonio Bragadin.  Ammochostos falls to the Ottoman commander Lala Mustafa, who at first allows the besieged a peaceful exodus, but later orders the flaying of Bragadin and puts all others to death. On annexation to the Ottoman Empire, the Latin leadership is expelled or converted to Islam and the Greek Orthodox Church restored.

 

Under the 1878 Cyprus Convention, Britain assumes administration of the island and the British Period (1878-1960) began. Cyprus remains formally part of the Ottoman Empire until the latter enters the World War I on the side of Germany, and in 1925 Cyprus became a part of Britain colonies.

 

In 1958 Greek Cypriot nationalist leader Archbishop Makarios began calling for Cypriot independence rather than union with Greece. Independence was granted in 1960. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was subsequently proclaimed in 1983. The Turkish republic of Northern Cyprus was established, but has not achieved full international recognition. In 2002, intense dialogue between north and south helped ease the tension, and in 2003 Northern Cyprus border crossings with the south opened up, under more relaxed border entry rules.

 

Geography

Northern Cyprus extends from the tip of the Karpaz Peninsula in the north east, westward to Morphou and southward to the village of Akıncılar.  There is a buffer zone between Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the Republic of Cyprus. 

 

The most populated towns of North Cyprus are Lefkoşa (Nicosia), which is also the capital city, Girne (Kyrenia) and Gazimağusa (Famagusta).  Due to its typical Mediterranean climate, North Cyprus does not receive much rainfall. 

Two main types of sea turtles, Caretta-Caretta, and Chelonia-Mydas, have been nesting along the coasts of Northern Cyprus for approximately one hundred million years.  The sea turtles visit the coasts of North Cyprus to lay their eggs between May and August.  There is a glorious display of wild flowers in North Cyprus in spring and the air is famously filled with the aroma of orange, lemon, and grapefruit blossom at that time of the year.  Most holiday resorts are located next to the stunning beaches of the Mediterranean as well as boasting outdoor swimming pools.  The exotic Cypriot cuisine is a reflection of its own history and proximity to the sea, as well as a synthesis of western and eastern cultures.  

North Cyprus Cities

 

Nicosia (Lefkosa)

Lefkosa is the capital and the largest city of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The name of the capital city of Northern Cyprus dates back approximately 2,250 years to the original settlement of Ledra, which was later renamed Lefkotheon, but was also sometimes referred to as Ledron. During the Byzantine period in North Cyprus the name changed again to Lefkon, meaning poplar grove, there were many poplar trees lining the banks ofthe Pedeios River, so the name was quite appropriate. Since the seventh century A.D., Nicosia has been the capital of Cyprus (except for a brief period during Venetian rule) because the Arab raids made so many coastal settlements unsafe and Nicosia was just far enough inland to escape the worst.

Although Nicosia was founded in ancient times, it did not develop until the Lusignan Era in North Cyprus. Massive walls encircling the old city were built by the Venetians in 1570, with the aim of protecting the city against a possible Ottoman attack. The walls of North Cyprus Nicosia, which still remain almost as they were built, consist of eleven bastions. A charming Northern cyprus mosque (Bayraktar Mosque) was erected on Costanza Bastion soon after the Ottoman conquest in 1571 and there are many Northern Cyprus historic monuments dating from the Middle Ages and later. Among these are several examples of Gothic and Ottoman buildings. Since Cyprus remained under Ottoman rule for more than three centuries, all the towns in Northern Cyprus reflect the ancient Turkish influence both in their architecture and in the lifestyle of the people.

 

Kyrenia (Girne)

North Cyprus' Kyrenia is a fascinating town with unique remains of countless civilizations, miles of natural beaches, calm sea, and mild climate, and is located on the northern coast of North Cyprus in a setting of great natural beauty.

It is an ideal resort for those who want to relax in a peaceful place, away from bustling city life. The city is hugged by mountains with the mostmagnificent scenery in North Cyprus, dominated by a crusader castle and fringed by turquoise seas.

A relative lack of North Cyprus property development has preserved the ancient Kyrenia harbour and visitors can explore Kyrenia's six thousand year old history. One of the attractions of Girne is the historic Northern Cyprus Kyrenia castle. The castle was originally built by the Byzantines, and restored and reinforced by the Lusignans and Venetians and still retains all its beauty today. The castle is also a resting-place of the world's oldest shipwreck! North Cyprus Kyrenia is charming and tiny harbor, full of yachts and fishing boats.

Just a few minutes drive away from Kyrenia, lays the fairy-tale castle of St.Hilarion with natural walls of rock blended into the ancient stone block walls.

Bellapais village is a charming sprawl of old farmhouses and Northern Cyprus villas dominated by a beautiful ruined abbey. Set in the mountains, just ten minutes above Kyrenia, a visit to this 14th century Lusignan abbey with its fabulous location in North Cyprus and pervasive atmosphere of calm is a must.

Throughout the Kyrenia region there are luxury North Cyprus hotels, self-catering apartments, picnic places and sandy beaches on both sides of the town. It is a great place to explore Northern Cyprus shops, markets and local cafés in late morning, strolling in the narrow cobbled alleys behind the North Cyprus Kyrenia harbor in the afternoon, or stepping out for a brisk walk along the promenade and sea wall in the evening.

 

Famagusta (Mağusa)

Much of North Cyprus is like an outdoor museum, but only in Famagusta is so much historical interest concentrated in one place, a true special place for all to see.

Seven hundred years ago Northern Cyprus Famagusta was the richest city on earth; famed throughout the world for its mercantile magnificence. Famagusta's economy boomed under Venetian rule in North Cyprus, followedby trade routes that spanned the globe from England to India. In fact, the city was so well known that Shakespeare chose it as the setting for his play Othello.

Famagusta's new wealth spurred on a frenzy of medieval building, many of which can be seen today, including the Cathedral of St Nicolas, numerous houses and the remains of the fortified North Cyprus Famagusta citadel. Unfortunately the fortifications were not as robust as they could have been, and Famausta was taken by the Ottomans in the sixteenth century. Today the shell of the Famagusta walled city survives. The city centre of North Cyprus Famagusta has been recently renovated and retains much of its historical appeal.

North Cyprus Entertainment

There are many things to do and see in North Cyprus during the day and at night for people of all ages. There are many historical places and museums to visit all over the North Cyprus Island so you can take in the Northern Cyprus natural beauty and history. Northern Cyprus provides all kinds of entertainment activities for sport enthusiasts and those who prefer a tranquil vacation. North Cyprus beaches provide great opportunities for all kinds of sea entertainment including swimming, sunbathing, sailing, windsurfing and more. Your vacation can be more fascinating if you try as many sport activities as possible. You may practice water sports, attend a gym, subscribe to yoga classes, or even go hiking in North Cyprus mountains.

 

Northern Cyprus Festivals

Top of the list for any classical music lover in North Cyprus must be the Bellapais Music Festival, which runs during May each year. Classical concerts are held in the magnificent Bellapais Abbey Refectory Hall, which has excellent acoustics. The Bellapais Music Festival attracts international artists to perform in North Cyprus. Every July the International Famagusta Culture and Art Festival present a wide variety of events in the ancient theatre at Salamis in North Cyprus Famagusta. The International Cyprus Theatre Festival includes performances in Nicosia, Famagusta and Kyrenia. You can visit venues at the theatre at Salamis and the Ataturk Cultural Centre. Every December, the Rocks Hotels plays host to the Kyrenia Jazz festival. This festival is growing year by year and now attracts international players to entertain many jazz fans in Northern Cyprus. There are also various food-related festivals, such as the Guzelyurt Orange Festival, the Watermelon festival and the Karpas Grape Festival. 

 

Bird Watching in North Cyprus

Arrival of migrating birds offers the unique pleasure of a North Cyprus bird watching holiday. One of the best places to watch birds in North Cyprus is Kyrenia Mountains. Karpaz Peninsula is a major stopping point for many migratory birds and the dedicated bird watcher can spot golden orioles and bee-eaters.

 

 

Turtle Watching in Northern Cyprus

Turtle Watching in North Cyprus is a joy. They nest on sandy beaches around Kyrenia on the Karpaz Peninsula and in Famagusta Bay. Both green and loggerhead turtles are listed as endangered species and are heavily protected in Northern Cyprus. 

 

 

 

North Cyprus Casinos

North Cyprus has a lot of opportunities for those who can't imagine a vacation without emotional risk-taking. Situated near or combined with Northern Cyprus hotels, local casinos offer excellent service. It is an exciting past-time for those who would like to try to bet for the first time in their lives or are experienced gamblers.

 

 

 

Education in North Cyprus

 

The education system in North Cyprus can be broadly defined in three parts: primary education, secondary education, and higher education.  Primary education is designed for the 5-15 age groups and is mandatory.  This period comprises of Pre-Primary Education, Primary Education, and Secondary Education.  Although crèches are part of the official education system, attendance is not compulsory at this stage.

Once the period of mandatory education is completed, students go on to secondary education.  High schools and vocational schools have a four-year program of instruction.  Colleges, art schools, and apprenticeships also cover a period of four years.  The period that follows secondary education is higher education.  Institutions provide teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

The educational system in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus aims to develop fully abilities of all individuals, and can be broadly defined in three parts:

 

Pre-School Education: Pre-School Education in North Cyprus is provided by kindergartens for children between the ages of 5 and 6.

 

Primary Education: Primary school education in Northern Cyprus is provided at elementary school and designed for the 7-11 age-group; it lasts for 5 years and is free and compulsory.

 

Secondary Education: Secondary Education in North Cyprus is provided at two stages. First Stage (Secondary-Junior) is for children in the 12-14 age-group. It is free and compulsory. Second stage is designed for the 15-17 years old. It is provided by high schools in North Cyprus known as Lycee`s and vocational schools.

 

Higher Education: The TRNC University education is provided by the Teachers Training College, The Eastern Mediterranean University, Anadolu University, Open Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Girne American University, Near East University, European University of Lefke and International American University.

 

There are more than 43,000 university students in seven universities in Northern Cyprus: Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Near East University (NEU), Girne American University (GAU), Cyprus International University (CIU), European University of Lefke (EUL), Atatürk Teacher Training Academy (AӦA) and Middle East Technical University (North Cyprus campus) (METU).  All universities have been approved by the Higher Education Councils of North Cyprus and Turkey.  Eastern Mediterranean University and Near East University are full individual members of the European University Association.  EMU is full member of the Community of Mediterranean Universities, the Federation of Universities of the Islamic World, the International Association of Universities, and the International Council of Graphic Design Associations.  Girne American University opened a campus in Canterbury, United Kingdom in 2009 and was accredited by the British Accreditation Council in 2010.  Three Turkish universities (İstanbul Technical University, Çukurova University, and Gazi University) have applied to open campuses in Northern Cyprus.  

 

Universities in North Cyprus

 

 

Eastern Mediterranean University

Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) of Northern Cyprus is an international university with over 13,500 students from 67 different countries. With more than 1,000 academic staff from around the world (more than 35 nationalities) and modern facilities, the University is committed to maintain and develop international standards of excellence in teaching and research at both undergraduate and graduate levels in North Cyprus.

 

 

 

Near East University

Near East University (NEU) is a private international institution of higher education founded in North Cyprus Nicosia in 1988. The main objective of this institution is to give students a sound education and bring them up as confident and responsible individuals with creative and inquisitive minds. Today Near East University consists of selected students from eighteen different countries. NEU with its ample educational facilities and highly qualified staff from 12 different countries is the only institution of higher education in Nicosia, the capital city of North Cyprus, rendering quality education. 

 

European University of Lefke

The European University of Lefke was founded by the Cyprus Sciences Foundation to be a culturally pluralistic institution of higher education which would provide relevant and attractive educational programs to meet the needs of the diverse students in Northern Cyprus. In addition, the University is situated on a campus with full supporting facilities, and is becoming a centre for the cultural and economic development in this area of North Cyprus.

 

 

Cyprus International University

Cyprus International University (CIU) in North Cyprus was established in 1996. It is a modern, innovative institution for its students. With all academic and social activities the University's prime commitment is to provide educational facilities to satisfy a modern technological society. With internationally accredited programs and modern campus, CIU attracts students from all over the world.

 

Girne American University

Girne American University in Northern Cyprus was founded in 1985 as an independent, non-profit institution of higher education. From its establishment, the University has focused on providing access to an American-based higher education to the widest possible group of young learners in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. GAU will continue to be guided by this special mission in the future.