TEKNOFEST TRNC, which opened its doors to visitors on May 1st, concluded after a busy four-day program.
On its final day, the world’s largest aviation, space, and technology festival continued to host top state and government officials.
At the closing ceremony, officials delivered key messages on the Cyprus issue and called on youth to embrace science and innovation.
The closing and award ceremony of TEKNOFEST TRNC was held under the auspices of the Presidency and led by the Türkiye Technology Team Foundation and the Turkish Ministry of Industry and Technology, at the former Ercan Airport.
Selçuk Bayraktar, Chairman of TEKNOFEST and the Türkiye Technology Team Foundation, said that TEKNOFEST in the TRNC was not just about technology but also about shared history and responsibility.
He called the festival a “story of awakening,” with 47,000 youth applications symbolizing the determination of the Turkish Cypriots.
Turkish Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır underlined Türkiye’s ongoing support for the TRNC to reach its rightful place in the world and emphasized the importance of youth empowerment.
He expressed hopes for TEKNOFEST to continue in the TRNC.
Prime Minister Ünal Üstel highlighted the strong Türkiye–TRNC bond, describing TEKNOFEST as both a source of pride and a tourism showcase.
He said it also served as a platform for sharing a vision of the future and affirmed ongoing support for youth-led innovation.
Üstel urged young people to follow science, not ideology, and declared the island as one of confidence, peace, and freedom.
Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz emphasized that the “Century of Türkiye” would also be the century of the TRNC.
He reaffirmed full support for the two-state solution in Cyprus and praised Türkiye’s transformation in defense over the past 20 years.
President Ersin Tatar concluded the ceremony by stressing the importance of Türkiye’s support for the TRNC’s stability and future.
He said TEKNOFEST strengthened the country’s cultural, economic and social structure and thanked President Erdoğan for his solidarity messages.
Tatar also praised the massive turnout—despite weather conditions, an estimated 200,000 people attended—and said this reflected the deep connection of Turkish Cypriots to Türkiye and their pride in the event.
BRT
