Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır and Turkey's first astronaut Alper Gezeravcı had an interactive talk with students at Uşak University within the scope of 'Youth Meetings'.

The event, which took place at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Congress and Culture Centre, was attended by Uşak Governor Dr. Turan Ergün, Uşak MPs Opr. Dr. İsmail Güneş and Fahrettin Tuğrul, Uşak Mayor Mehmet Çakın, Rector Prof. Dr. Ekrem Savaş, provincial protocol, academic and administrative staff and students showed great interest.

Rector Savaş: ''We are honoured to host an important meeting.''

Rector Prof. Dr. Savaş, in his opening speech of the programme, said that as the family of Uşak University, we are experiencing the excitement of hosting our minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır and Alper Gezeravcı, the first astronaut of our country, and said, "We are hosting an important meeting. Alper Gezeravcı, who is a source of pride for the Turkish nation, has pioneered a new page in the space studies of our country in the 100th year of our Republic. The fact that Turkey's first astronaut Alper Gezeravcı is here reminds us and our youth of our potential in science, technology, space and aviation. Space exploration and aviation technologies are of great importance for the future of our country. Inspiring and encouraging our young people in this field will contribute to the further strengthening of our country in the international arena.

Minister Kacır: ''Turkey's most important force multiplier is its faithful young and dynamic population.''

In his speech, Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır stated that they had brought together Turkey's first astronaut Alper Gezeravcı with young people and that they were happy to be at Uşak University today. Explaining Turkey's 'National Technology' moves and 'Space Science Mission', Minister Kacır said that Turkey's most important force multiplier is its faithful, young and dynamic population and added: "Innovative technologies come out of teams formed by young people. When we support young people, young people make important projects. By continuing to pave the way for our youth, we will reach our National Technology Move targets one by one. The gains we have achieved in the National Technology Move in recent years, Turkey's journey to become a country that can develop, produce and competitively export critical technologies to the world with its own means has always been thanks to young people like you.

Minister Kacır stated that the work carried out in the defence industry and space in recent years is very important for a fully independent Turkey, and underlined that Gezeravcı's mission to space was a scientific mission. He said that Gezeravcı carried out 13 scientific experiments in space and that these studies were carried out to inspire Turkish youth.

After his speech, Minister Kacır was presented a Plaque of Appreciation by Governor Dr. Turan Ergün and Rector Prof. Dr. Ekrem Savaş.

Astronaut Gezeravcı: ''I set a goal that can be a source of self-confidence for our young people''

Our national pride, Turkey's first astronaut Alper Gezeravcı, who came together with the students at the event, which attracted great interest, said "I set a goal that can be a source of self-confidence for our young people" and talked about his journey to become an astronaut and his experiences during his time in the space station. Gezeravcı stated that he started to examine the process carried out by the Turkish Space Agency and TÜBİTAK on the website and said, "I realised that I met all the criteria in the 4-page list of requirements. I set a goal that could be a source of self-confidence for our young people, who will be the guarantee of our future in the 100th anniversary of our country, in a subject that I was far from even dreaming about until that day. I tried to read the sources of astronauts, agencies and authorities who have done this job and are still doing it. Then I made my application. I passed many tests and was selected. Afterwards, I received the "Turkish Astronaut and Science Mission" training to go into space. Among 193 countries, we became the 22nd country that was able to carry its people into space and carry out a science mission in space.

Expressing that he is happy to share the excitement of marking 'a new century of Turkey' with young people, Mr Gezeravcı said: "Young people are our greatest wealth. Do not doubt your potential. Do not listen to those who tell you 'you can't do it, you can't succeed' and turn your back and continue to walk on your path.

After his speech, Gezeravcı answered questions from young people.

The event ended with a photo shoot after the presentation of a plaque of appreciation to Alper Gezeravcı, Turkey's first astronaut.