In order to launch the first Chair of Cypriot Studies in Greece and specifically at the Faculty of Law of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, in the academic year 2025-2026, a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Aristotle University and the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth of the Republic of Cyprus was signed on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in the Senate Hall of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

The Memorandum was signed by the Rector of AUTH, Professor Kyriakos Anastasiadis, and the Cypriot Minister of Education, Sport, and Youth, Dr. Athena Michaelidou, in the presence of the Consul General of the Republic of Cyprus in Thessaloniki, Mr. Konstantinos Polykarpou, and the Dean of the Law School of AUTH, Professor Panagiotis Glavinis.

The operation of the Chair of Cypriot Studies at the Faculty of Law of AUTH aims to strengthen the national ties between Greece and Cyprus in the academic and cultural sectors, deepen scientific knowledge regarding Cyprus’s history, society, and political issue, while also highlighting the uniqueness of Cypriot identity and reality.

As part of the Chair’s operations, undergraduate courses such as “History of Cyprus” and “The Cyprus Issue” will be offered as electives to all AUTH students. Additionally, conferences, lectures, and cultural activities are planned.

The Chair’s main objectives include raising awareness about the consequences of the Turkish invasion and ongoing occupation, strengthening scientific research on Cyprus, promoting cultural exchanges, and establishing academic connections with international research centers and universities in Greece, Cyprus, and abroad.

The Republic of Cyprus will fully fund the teaching and research activities of the Chair. A five-member Monitoring Committee will be established to oversee its work, with representatives from both parties.

The Rector of AUTH, Professor Kyriakos Anastasiadis, stated: “The establishment of the Chair of Cypriot Studies at Aristotle University is a particularly important academic initiative that strengthens the ties between Greece and Cyprus and significantly contributes to the preservation of historical memory and Cypriot cultural heritage. We believe that the Chair will evolve into a dynamic center for scientific research, study, and fruitful dialogue around issues concerning Cyprus and the broader Hellenic world.

We warmly thank the Republic of Cyprus and the Ministry of Education for their trust and support. We are committed to making the most of this collaboration for the benefit of the academic community, society, and future generations.”

The Minister of Education, Sport, and Youth of Cyprus, Dr. Athena Michaelidou, emphasized the national importance of establishing and operating the first Chair of Cypriot Studies in Greece, at the historic Aristotle University. This is an initiative that began years ago and has been embraced and promoted by the Government of President Christodoulides.

“Investing in knowledge, culture, and innovation is not a luxury; it is a strategic choice and a national priority,” said Dr. Michaelidou, stressing that “our entire policy and vision for Education—and especially for University education—is governed by and based on precisely these pillars.”

She continued by highlighting that “our program is being implemented with steady steps and tangible results,” and made special mention of the fact that the Chair of Cypriot Studies is an expression of dynamism and outward-looking perspective. It should “be viewed within the context of the longstanding close, fraternal, and multifaceted cooperation between Cyprus and Greece, which spans the political, diplomatic, educational, scientific, and cultural sectors and is rooted in our shared national vision and common historical and cultural roots.”