Turkey's Antarctic Scientific Expedition: Journey to the Continent of Science and Peace
The 9th National Antarctic Scientific Expedition stands out as an important step that allows Turkish scientists to take their place in the international scientific community. This expedition offers a great opportunity not only for scientific research but also to strengthen Turkey's presence in Antarctica. The team set off from Istanbul and reached King George Island in Antarctica after a challenging 60-hour journey.
Farewell Ceremony and Team Size
The farewell ceremony held at Istanbul Airport with the participation of the Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır reinforced the importance of the expedition. The 20-person scientific team achieved great success by reaching Antarctica after a 2,5-day journey. Such events play a critical role in supporting and encouraging science.
Details of the Long Journey
The team, who traveled approximately 14 thousand kilometers, reached Antarctica by passing through Brazil and Chile. During this journey, the team members encountered many difficulties, but with determination and perseverance, they successfully completed this process. When they reached the Chilean-flagged Betanzos ship, the team members took a group photo to immortalize this moment.
Scientific Research and Projects
Antarctica is called the “continent of science and peace” and the research conducted here is of great importance worldwide. The Turkish scientific delegation will carry out a total of 19 separate projects in the fields of life sciences, social sciences, physical sciences and earth sciences. These projects will both increase Turkey’s scientific capacity and make significant contributions to the international scientific world.
Turkey's Presence and Importance in Antarctica
Turkey's presence in Antarctica makes our country more visible on the international stage and opens doors for scientific collaborations. Stating that Antarctica has great potential, Turkey's Ambassador to Santiago Ahmet İhsan Kızıltan emphasized that such expeditions will play an important role in Turkey's achievement of its scientific goals.
Environmental Protection and Disinfection Procedures
In order to protect the unique flora and fauna of Antarctica, the expedition team must comply with many rules and procedures. When getting off the plane, the team members disinfected their boots with special solutions before setting foot on the continent. Deputy Expedition Leader Dr. Atilla Yılmaz explained that this practice was an important step towards preventing the transfer of alien species to the continent.
The Future of Scientific Research in Antarctica
Antarctica offers a great opportunity for future scientific research. Turkish scientists aim to make significant contributions to both the national and international scientific community with the projects they will carry out here. This expedition will not only be limited to current research but will also form a basis for future expeditions.
As a result
The 9th National Antarctic Scientific Expedition demonstrates Turkey's determination and ambition in the field of scientific research. Scientists aim to make new discoveries and strengthen international scientific collaborations through this expedition. Antarctica will host more Turkish scientists and various projects in the coming years.
