Golcuk: Trkiye will never relinquish a single drop of its 'Blue Homeland,' Selcuk Bayraktar, chairman of the TEKNOFEST board and Turkish defense giant Baykar, stated Thursday. Speaking at the opening ceremony of TEKNOFEST Blue Homeland at the Golcuk Naval Shipyard Command in northwestern Trkiye, Bayraktar emphasized the significance of the maritime domain to the nation.
According to Anadolu Agency, Bayraktar likened the Blue Homeland to a garden offering peace, asserting that just as Trkiye would not forfeit any part of its land, it will not surrender its maritime territories. The event, organized under the leadership of Trkiye's National Defense Ministry and the T3 Foundation, with Anadolu serving as the global communications partner, aims to enhance appreciation for the sea among youth and promote awareness of Trkiye's maritime rights.
Bayraktar highlighted that while Trkiye's land area spans approximately 783,000 square kilometers, its maritime jurisdiction, referred to as the Blue Homeland, covers 462,000 square kilometers. TEKNOFEST Blue Homeland includes various competitions and demonstrations, featuring swimming, sailing, and rowing, as well as the participation of Trkiye's underwater commandos.
Young participants are actively engaged in developing future maritime technologies, with competitions involving unmanned underwater systems, underwater rockets, and unmanned surface vehicles. Bayraktar also noted the showcasing of significant Turkish naval platforms, including historic and modern warships and submarines.
Bayraktar proudly announced the Bayraktar TB3 unmanned combat aerial vehicle's role in revolutionizing global naval aviation, highlighting its capability to operate from the short-runway vessel TCG Anadolu. He encouraged young attendees to set ambitious goals and remain true to their cultural roots and values, using the metaphor of setting sail on the sea of life with a purpose.
He further articulated the broader mission of the Blue Homeland initiative, framing it as a fight for justice and independence, beyond mere technological advancement. Bayraktar emphasized the moral and humanitarian challenges facing the world, asserting that the TEKNOFEST generation would lead efforts to rebuild a global system that upholds justice and compassion.
Following the Golcuk event, Bayraktar announced that TEKNOFEST would proceed to southeastern Trkiye, inviting the public to attend TEKNOFEST Southeast, scheduled to commence in Sanliurfa on Sept. 30.