PhD Candidate Beyza Hatun Kiziltepe awarded Mitacs Globalink Research Award

PhD candidate Beyza Hatun Kiziltepe has been awarded the Mitacs Globalink Research Award to support her PhD research in Cyprus.

Beyza’s research interests include the politics of memory, intergenerational relations, everyday peace and reconciliation in post-conflict societies, feminist methodology, and critical pedagogy.

Her PhD research addresses one of the most persistent challenges in divided and post-conflict societies: rebuilding trust, belonging, and coexistence in the aftermath of the conflict. Focusing on Northern Cyprus, it examines how divergent yet entangled memory narratives among native Turkish Cypriots and mainland-origin naturalized citizens of the de facto state (TRNC) shape intra-communal othering and social boundaries. Beyza’s research rethinks conflict resolution beyond the dominant bi-communal lens, challenging homogenizing assumptions about both “natives” and “settlers.” It endeavors to advance an understanding of memory, belonging, and security that accounts for the multi-layered everyday dynamics of inclusion and exclusion in a de facto state defined by contested sovereignty and unresolved historical trauma. By integrating interdisciplinary literature and centering everyday experiences and memory-making practices over formal, top-down, and bureaucratic peace negotiations, her PhD research aims to generate localized insights and theoretical innovation that contribute to a more human-centered understanding of reconciliation and peacebuilding.

Beyza is very grateful and honored to be recognized by this prestigious award for her research. She extends heartfelt thanks to Mitacs, her PhD supervisor, Dr. Alina Sajed, and her host supervisor in Cyprus, Dr. Nafia Akdeniz, for their continued support.