TEKNOFEST TRNC Day 1
The first day of TEKNOFEST TRNC on 1 May 2025 began with an opening ceremony held at the former Ercan Airport in Nicosia. Attendees included TRNC President Ersin Tatar, Turkey’s Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Chairman of the Elders Council of the Organization of Turkic States Binali Yıldırım, President of the Presidency of Defense Industries Haluk Görgün, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the T3 Foundation Selçuk Bayraktar. Throughout the day, flight demonstrations were conducted using various aerial platforms including the Bayraktar TB2, AKINCI, HÜRKUŞ, ANKA, AKSUNGUR, ATAK, T70, CN-235, SOLOTÜRK and Turkish Stars. Simultaneous activities included scientific workshops, technology booths, XR experience zones, a planetarium, TMT and Cyprus Peace Operation exhibitions, and cultural events. A total of 62,000 visitors registered and entered the venue on the first day of the festival. In their opening speeches, emphasis was placed on TRNC’s sovereignty, cooperation with the Turkish world, and a shared technological future.
Program Schedule for the First Day of the Festival
- 10.00 – 10.15 | Aerial Display (T-129 ATAK Helicopter)
- 10.25 – 10.35 | Aerial Display (T-70)
- 10.20 – 10.55 | Aerial Display (CN-235 Parachute Jumps)
- 10.50 – 11.00 | Azerbaijan-Kyrgyz Friendship Society Traditional Dance Performance
- 11.05 – 11.15 | Aerial Display (HÜRKUŞ)
- 11.20 – 11.40 | Aerial Display (S-70 Steel Wings)
- 11.45 – 12.45 | Aerial Display (AKINCI)
- 12.50 – 13.00 | Aerial Display (T-70)
- 12.05 – 12.30 | Aerial Display (SOLOTÜRK)
- 13.00 – 13.40 | Opening Ceremony
- 14.40 – 15.10 | Science Demonstration
- 15.10 – 15.55 | Aerial Display (Turkish Stars)
- 16.30 – 17.30 | Turkish Harmony Stars Orchestra
- 17.45 – 18.30 | Rafadan Tayfa Technological Tayfa Performance
Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony of TEKNOFEST TRNC 2025 was held on 1 May 2025 at the former Ercan Airport in Nicosia, the capital of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Attendees included TRNC President Ersin Tatar, Turkey’s Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Chairman of the Elders Council of the Organization of Turkic States Binali Yıldırım, President of the Presidency of Defense Industries Haluk Görgün, and Chairman of the TEKNOFEST Board of Directors Selçuk Bayraktar.
Selçuk Bayraktar’s Opening Speech
Selçuk Bayraktar, Chairman of the TEKNOFEST Board of Directors and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Turkey Technology Team Foundation (T3 Foundation), delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of TEKNOFEST TRNC on 1 May 2025. He began by thanking and greeting the President and attendees, expressing his delight at being in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
In his speech, Bayraktar emphasized the historical significance of Cyprus, describing the land as “a legacy of history” and “the frontier of the Blue Homeland.” Referring to the past and struggle of the TRNC, he mentioned the names of Rauf Denktaş and Dr. Fazıl Küçük, calling the land “the sacred soil where the brave sons of the Turkish Resistance Organization wrote their epic.” Bayraktar also acknowledged 1 May as Labor and Solidarity Day, extending greetings to those who work with sweat and dedication.
Bayraktar viewed the hosting of TEKNOFEST in the TRNC as a message of unity and brotherhood. He described the term “brotherly homeland” as deeply meaningful and underscored that this festival serves as a platform strengthening cooperation between the Turkish world and friendly regions. He noted that local aerial vehicles now fly over the skies of Cyprus and that young people are developing projects sending greetings to these aircraft.
Bayraktar stated that over 47,000 applications were received for the festival: “This year, more than 15,000 teams, totaling 47,000 young brothers and sisters, applied to TEKNOFEST TRNC. Here, the mind of a nation and the heart of a civilization converge.”
He emphasized that the projects presented by young participants are not merely competitions: “These young people are not just competing—they are laying the foundations of a new world.” He highlighted that competition categories span agriculture, environment, health, and social innovation, noting six main themes and thirteen distinct categories.
Bayraktar stressed that technology must unite with justice and compassion, drawing attention to the importance of ethical and moral values in artificial intelligence: “The key to the new world is high technology and artificial intelligence. When artificial intelligence is harmonized with the right purpose and ethical values, it can carry humanity to a far better future.”
Bayraktar also spoke about civilian casualties in Gaza: “Children in Gaza are being bombed… This darkness can only be dispelled by the light of truth.” He positioned technology as a tool that unites humanity, stating that discrimination wounds individuals and societies, and that TEKNOFEST is therefore a “field of unity.”
He emphasized that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus must become a center for science and technology, inviting young scientists, entrepreneurs, and engineers to this region: “People should come to Cyprus not only for holidays, but for science, for technology, for production!”
Bayraktar concluded his speech by declaring, “A new era is beginning!” He expressed his belief that the TRNC could become one of the leading centers for science and technology in the Mediterranean: “Now, the wind of prosperity will blow across this island, the wind of freedom will blow, and the wind of technology will blow! And that is why we are here! We are here to blow this wind together, to make our brotherly homeland the technological base of the future.”
Selçuk Bayraktar ended his speech with these words:
“So let’s go!
Let us call out from Cyprus to Turkey, to all our brotherly regions.
Come! Let us join hands together.
Come! Let us make this world a fairer place.
TEKNOFEST is here.
Our nation is here.
The future is here.
And believe me, young brothers and sisters;
You are the future.
You will be the future.”
Ersin Tatar’s Opening Speech
President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Ersin Tatar began his speech at the opening ceremony by welcoming Turkey’s Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Chairman of the T3 Foundation Board of Trustees Selçuk Bayraktar, and all other guests.
Tatar recalled visiting Selçuk Bayraktar two years ago and proposing that a branch of TEKNOFEST be held in the TRNC. He noted that this proposal was warmly accepted: “I told him this would inspire our youth and greatly promote the TRNC. He accepted with pleasure. And today we are here.”
In the continuation of his speech, Tatar addressed the Cyprus issue, emphasizing that the TRNC is not merely a land area of 3,800 square kilometers but a whole entity encompassing maritime jurisdiction areas, airspace, and rights and interests in the Eastern Mediterranean. He stated: “We are determined to preserve the sovereignty, independence, and freedom of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus forever, alongside the strength of the Republic of Turkey. The Turkish Cypriot people are not alone. Turkey stands by us under all circumstances.”
Tatar emphasized his opposition to federal solutions, warning that such arrangements could lead to the removal of Turkey’s guarantee status and the withdrawal of Turkish troops from the island, thereby exposing the Turkish Cypriot people to a dangerous process.
Highlighting the role of science and technology in the development of the TRNC, Tatar stressed the importance of progress in higher education, tourism, industry, and services, as well as in technology, software, and science. Encouraging youth to pursue these fields, he said: “The orientation of our youth toward technology is vital for building a more productive economic structure in the future. Therefore, events like TEKNOFEST are of immense value.”
He emphasized the strong interest shown by young people, noting that thousands of participants came from Turkey and that guests from other countries also contributed to the event.
In the later part of his speech, Tatar addressed strengthening relations with the Turkish world, reminding attendees that the TRNC is an observer member of the Organization of Turkic States. “Today we have guests from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Azerbaijan. We will continue working for unity and solidarity within the Turkish world,” he said, adding that this cooperation had been emphasized during his discussions with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
At the conclusion of his speech, Tatar specifically thanked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, noting that Erdoğan consistently advocates for the recognition of the TRNC on every platform and “emphasizes that the Turkish Cypriot people are never alone.” He affirmed Turkey’s determination to share all its resources with the TRNC: “We, as President, Prime Minister, Ministers, and government, will continue working in harmony with Turkey.”
Mehmet Fatih Kacır’s Opening Speech
Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of TEKNOFEST TRNC 2025. In his address, he emphasized the potential role the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus could play in the field of information and technology and highlighted TEKNOFEST’s contribution to this process.
Kacır stated that the TRNC could become an “island of information technology,” saying: “With over 100,000 university students and its unique beauty, these lands can become a global hub for IT professionals and technology startups.” Regarding the sustainability of the event, he said: “Our goal is for this excitement to continue in the TRNC.”
Kacır viewed the holding of TEKNOFEST in Nicosia, 51 years after the Cyprus Peace Operation, as a sign of Turkey’s commitment to the Cyprus cause. He said: “I remember with gratitude and appreciation the heroic martyrs who gave their lives so that Turkish presence may endure on these lands,” and honored the struggles of fighters and veterans.
He noted that Turkey now plays a decisive role in the shifting global power dynamics: “In this new era, we are stronger than ever before.” Referring to Turkey’s domestic successes in defense and aviation, he said: “Behind this strength is the seal we have stamped on the sky with Bayraktar, Akıncı, Hürkuş, Hürjet, Atak, Gökbey, Kaan, and Kızılelma.”
Kacır emphasized the concept of the “Century of Turkey,” declaring it “the century of the Turkish nation, the Turkish world, the Turkish Cypriot, and the TRNC.” He stated that a two-state solution is near and that unjust embargoes and isolation against the TRNC will soon be lifted. Regarding the TEKNOFEST competitions, he noted that the six categories with participation from 47,000 young people offer hope for the future.
Kacır affirmed that Turkey is ready to share all its R&D capabilities to contribute to the technological production capacity of Northern Cyprus: “We are ready to bring together our capabilities—106 technology parks, 11,500 technology startups, and a 290,000-strong R&D force—with our brotherly lands.” He declared that division and internal conflicts will not be tolerated, stressing that goals must be achieved through shoulder-to-shoulder progress. He concluded his speech with the words: “Our target is Kızılelma.”
Haluk Görgün’s Opening Speech
President of the Presidency of Defense Industries Haluk Görgün spoke about the development of TEKNOFEST since its inception. He stated: “TEKNOFEST is a platform where love for the homeland and the dream of technology converge,” and noted that this process has helped uncover the energy of youth. “For years, TEKNOFEST has enabled us to discover the energy accumulated within our youth,” he said, emphasizing that the event is not merely a festival but a discovery platform that reveals the potential of young people.
Görgün declared that the obstacles facing youth have been removed: “The barriers that once crushed our youth’s dreams have vanished.” Recalling past embargoes imposed on Turkey’s defense industry, he said: “They once told us it was impossible. They tried to block us with open or covert embargoes.” Today, he said, the youth of TEKNOFEST have become “the new hope of the nation, the ummah, and humanity.”
He highlighted advancements in defense industry, noting Turkey’s technological competence across multiple domains—from tanks to unmanned aerial vehicles, from warships to air defense systems: “If the youth of TEKNOFEST wish it, everything is possible. Because all our technologies are designed in the minds of our youth, nurtured in their hearts, and brought to life by their hands.”
Binali Yıldırım’s Opening Speech
Chairman of the Elders Council of the Organization of Turkic States Binali Yıldırım also delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of TEKNOFEST TRNC 2025. He emphasized that TEKNOFEST is not merely a technology festival but a success story carrying an international message.
Yıldırım began by highlighting that TEKNOFEST is a result of Turkey’s recent technological advancements. He described it as “a response from T3 Foundation Chairman Selçuk Bayraktar to those advanced and boastful states that have developed technology and defense capabilities.”
Yıldırım pointed to the symbolic importance of holding TEKNOFEST in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, stating: “The aim of the Turks is not to frighten anyone, but to once again show everyone that they fear no one.”
Yıldırım noted that innovations in technology, industry, and artificial intelligence were visible throughout the event, and that representatives from Organization of Turkic States member countries joined in the enthusiasm. Regarding recent criticisms directed at member states of the organization, he said: “The best response to unjust accusations against our member states in recent times is being given here, at TEKNOFEST in the TRNC.”
Yıldırım drew attention to Turkey’s progress over the past 25 years: “Under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey has made great progress over the past 25 years. The position we have reached in defense industry has captured the world’s attention.” He added: “Therefore, no one should perceive this progress as a threat to themselves.”
Yıldırım emphasized the special status of the TRNC for Turkey: “Let everyone know that the TRNC is Turkey’s red line. We will continue walking hand in hand with Turkey and Turkic states toward better days, refusing to relive those old pains, despite global isolation and embargoes.” His speech highlighted messages of unity, solidarity, and determination, underscoring that TEKNOFEST is a concrete expression of this resolve.
Aerial Displays
On the first day of TEKNOFEST TRNC 2025, various aerial displays were conducted at the former Ercan Airport, featuring domestically produced defense and aviation technologies. These demonstrations took place at different times throughout the day.
The aircraft participating in the displays included:
- Bayraktar AKINCI (Attack Unmanned Aerial Vehicle)
- Bayraktar TB2 (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle)
- HÜRKUŞ (Basic Training Aircraft)
- ANKA (Medium Altitude, Long Endurance UAV)
- AKSUNGUR (MALE Class UAV)
- T-129 ATAK Helicopter
- T-70 General Purpose Helicopter
- CN-235 Aircraft (Used for parachute jumps)
- Jandarma Steel Wings (Using S-70 Sikorsky helicopters)
- SOLOTÜRK (Turkish Air Force F-16 demonstration team)
- Turkish Stars (Turkish Air Force aerobatics team – NF-5 aircraft)
The aerial displays showcased the capabilities of both military and civilian aircraft. Parachute jumps were performed from the CN-235, while low-altitude maneuvers were demonstrated by the ATAK and T-70 helicopters. The Jandarma General Command’s Steel Wings team presented synchronized helicopter maneuvers. The Turkish Stars and SOLOTÜRK performed aerobatic flights in separate time slots during the second half of the day.
Turkish Resistance Organization National Struggle Exhibition Area
The Turkish Resistance Organization (TMT) National Struggle Exhibition Area, established as part of the festival, contains various artifacts used by the Turkish Cypriot community during its armed struggle in the 1960s and 1970s. The exhibition includes cannons made from water pipes, weapon systems mounted on plow irons, factory-made and handmade hunting rifles, pistols, rank and position insignia, and copies of the Qur’an.
The exhibition was visited by veterans and civilians of the Cyprus Peace Operation. Mehmet Emin Baca noted that the weapons on display were produced to defend Cyprus. Erkan Karadayı recalled witnessing the 1974 conflict as a child and recognized the exhibited weapons as those he had previously seen in the hands of his elders.
