📩 25/09/2023 15:48
Bursa hosts a historical organization in the field of space and aviation. 70 astronauts and cosmonauts met in Bursa, hosted by GUHEM, Turkey's first space and aviation-themed interactive training center by the Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTSO), and Bursa Business School, which the city brought to the city as a reference training center for the business world.
The main theme of the Planetary Congress, organized for the 34th time by the Association of Space Explorers (ASE), was determined based on Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's words 'The future is in the skies' on the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the organization held for the first time in Turkey, BTSO Chairman İbrahim Burkay said that international competition based on technology has moved to space. At a time when many developed countries are continuing their investments in the field of space, which they consider to be of strategic importance, President Burkay stated that Turkey is carrying out its transformation in line with its own goals, possibilities and capabilities with the 'National Technology Strong Industry' initiative with great excitement, and said that unraveling the secrets of the sky has been people's dream for centuries. he stated.
“Future is in the Sky”
President İbrahim Burkay said, “The founder of our Republic, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, showed us the goal of 'The Future is in the Sky'. Our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's determination to carry our country to the space league has assigned a new mission in the space and aviation journey to Bursa, the leading city with its technological infrastructure and transformation potential. We built a new vision in Bursa by announcing the goals we set for our city in the fields of space and aviation in 2013. Today, more than 120 companies in our space, aviation and defense cluster, which we have implemented within the scope of accelerating clustering and sectoral transformation, are working in cooperation with prestigious companies nationally and internationally.” he said.
“We brought GUHEM to Turkey”
'Why shouldn't Turkey's skyman come from Bursa?' Reminding that they brought GUHEM, Europe's largest space, aviation and education center, to Turkey, Mayor Burkay said, “These moves were seen as a dream 10 years ago. However, history has taught us that success cannot be achieved without dreaming. As a result of the projects we have implemented both in GUHEM and in the field of space, aviation and defense, there is now a Bursa that has made a name for itself in strategic areas. Astronauts and cosmonauts who have achieved significant success with their work; This important event, which we held together with scientists who are experts in their fields and our country's first space travelers, once again revealed how accurate and important the vision we put forward years ago was. GUHEM, which we implemented with the support of our Ministry of Industry and Technology and in cooperation with TÜBİTAK and our Metropolitan Municipality, is a historical project that is also included in our country's National Space Program. As BTSO, we will continue our work in the field of space and aviation from now on, as we have done so far.” said.
'Vision of Bursa Business School'
In his speech, Mayor Burkay also shared the vision of 'Bursa Business School', which was established in Kirazlıyayla, with the participants. Stating that as BTSO, they have protected a unique heritage such as Kirazlıyayla Sanatorium and brought this structure back to Bursa with an innovative approach, Mayor Burkay said, “Bursa Business School, in cooperation with the world's leading educational institutions, has become a center where business models of the new economy are determined for our professionals and entrepreneurs. is now here at the service of our Bursa and our country. Bursa Business School is a historic step in terms of realizing the vision of our President, 'Let's make Uludağ Davos'. "This qualified structure, where high-level training is provided, national and international congresses and local-foreign summit meetings are held, will have the feature of being a reference training base not only for Bursa but also for our nearby geography, in line with our goals," he said.
ASE President Ewald: “Our Future is in the Sky”
In his speech, ASE President Reinhold Ewald thanked BTSO and GUHEM for the organization. Stating that a beautiful congress was held in a historical place on a historical day, Ewald said, “We are very happy to be in Bursa. We host important astronauts in space science in our organization. It is pleasing to see that Turkey is now in the space world. Turkey's astronaut candidates also continue their training. I wish to welcome a distinguished country and community like Türkiye to us. This year's theme is 'The Future is in the Sky'. Now the sky shows the future. Our future is in the sky. Let's start building the future together.” said.
“As Türkiye, we attach great importance to space studies”
Mustafa Varank, Chairman of the GNAT Industry, Trade, Energy, Natural Resources, Information and Technology Commission and Bursa Deputy, started his speech by thanking GUHEM and all stakeholders who contributed to the realization of such an important congress in Bursa. Stating that many topics from the new space economy and space programs to deep space technologies will be discussed in a very comprehensive program with technical sessions and science community events, Mustafa Varank said, “It is an organization that will be an inspiration. When we look at the countries that stand out in the space race, we can see that they are economically powerful countries in the world. In this direction, we accelerated space studies under the leadership of our President with the vision of the National Technology Move. Turkey has grounded goals. "As we build Turkey's century, we can now say 'we are in space too' with greater enthusiasm," he said.
“We Have 2030 Goals Until 10”
Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır said that they established the Turkish Space Agency in 2018 to coordinate Turkey's work in space. Pointing out that the National Space Program, which reveals Turkey's concrete goals in the field of space, was shared with the whole world by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in 2021, Minister Kacır said, “However, we have 2030 goals that we plan to achieve by 10. Within the scope of the Turkish Astronaut and Science Mission, we designed our country's first manned space mission. Our First Turkish Space Traveler, who will go to the International Space Station, will perform 13 different scientific experiments from medicine to material science. Our first Turkish space passengers, whose training continues, are with us in this program. We know that we will achieve all the goals of the National Space Program only by creating a strong technological and physical infrastructure in our country, offering the right opportunities to our youth and developing their competencies.” gave his message.
“GUHEM Will Carry Turkey Further”
Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır stated that they implemented Science Centers in order to bring science and technology together with the society and said, “Gökmen Space and Aviation Training Center GUHEM is the best example in this field. GUHEM is Turkey's first science center with the theme of 'space and aviation'. GUHEM will take Turkey further in space and aviation. “It will contribute to the training of future astronauts, scientists, pilots and engineers.” said. Stating that they have implemented cooperation in the field of space sciences and technologies, Minister Kacır said, "For the effective and beneficial use of space for the whole world, in the name of peace and cooperation, as Turkey, we say 'We are also in space!' we say. As we build the 'Turkey Century', we are now investing more in space technologies and collaborating more to use space to benefit all humanity. "I would like to thank all our stakeholders, especially the Association of Space Explorers (ASE) and our Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, for organizing this event with the theme 'The Future is in the Sky'."
Astronaut Alegria: “Welcome Aboard”
Following the opening speeches, technical sessions were held. In his speech, Astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria thanked Turkey for its successful initiatives in space studies. Stating that Turkey is now included in the space journey, Alegria said, “Turkey joined us in this journey. Our common vision is to grow, learn and explore in space. We will have a good cooperation with Türkiye. Let's celebrate Turkey's wonderful hospitality. We will push our limits on the stars as much as possible. "We will all work together," he said. Bursa Governor Mahmut Demirtaş, Bursa Members of Parliament, Bursa Uludağ University Rector Prof. attended the summit. Dr. Ferudun Yılmaz, Bursa Technical University (BTU) Rector Prof. Dr. Naci Çağlar, as well as Turkish Space Agency President Serdar Hüseyin Yıldırım and TÜBİTAK President Hasan Mandal, as well as many industry representatives and academicians attended.
Full of Activities for 5 Days
GUHEM, Turkey's first space aviation-themed interactive training center, continues to host giant international events. More than 70 astronauts who came to Bursa with the organization of GUHEM and Bursa Business School take part in important events for 5 days. The technical sessions of the event, which brings together the world's most prestigious names, are held at Bursa Business School Uludağ Campus, the training and development center of the business world implemented by BTSO.
Turkey's First Space Travelers Are Also at the Summit
Turkey's first space travelers Alper Gezeravcı and Tuva Atasever will also meet with space enthusiasts as part of the Turkey's Future Projection session within the scope of the events. The astronauts, who will visit GUHEM on Wednesday, September 27, will also meet with citizens and students at Merinos Atatürk Congress and Culture Center Osmangazi Hall within the scope of 'Science-Society' events.