In a program held at the Ahmet Tevfik Ozan Exhibition and Congress Center, Gezeravcı shared his experience with students, stating that Turkey’s first manned space mission, which was made possible by the strong will of the state, instills confidence and serves as an inspiration for the country’s future youth.
He reminded the audience that after the establishment of the Turkish Space Agency in 2018, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced the country’s 10 goals in space in February 2021. Gezeravcı emphasized that today, they are celebrating the fulfillment of the first of these goals with the “Turkish astronaut and science mission.”
Gezeravcı explained that the space activities were carried out with the strong will of the state, emphasizing that it was not a one-time mission but the beginning of a process that will secure the future for the youth. He stated that it was a journey of initiation rather than an ultimate destination. This mission, carried out with the determination of the state, is a debt owed to the youth, as they are the rightful owners, subjects, and focus of this mission. Despite there being 193 countries waving their flags under the United Nations, Turkey became the 22nd country to send its own people into space and conduct scientific research there.
Gezeravcı highlighted that the Republic of Turkey is a strong state, drawing its strength from its past and keeping its path open for future generations. He stressed that there is no task that the state cannot accomplish with its determination. During their missions in space, they could have simply replicated what the previous 21 countries had done, but instead, they had the opportunity to conduct unique experiments based on the brilliant work of minds from within the country. This allowed them to make original contributions in space, especially during this historic first mission.
Finally, Gezeravcı answered questions from the students, emphasizing the importance of always looking towards the future and seizing opportunities to learn and innovate. The event not only showcased Turkey’s progress in space exploration but also served as a reminder of the country’s commitment to empowering its youth and paving the way for future generations to succeed in various fields, including science and technology. Gezeravcı’s message resonated with the students, inspiring them to dream big and strive for excellence in their own pursuits.
