President Erdoğan speaks with Türkiye’s first-ever astronaut Gezeravcı

 

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had a videoconference with Türkiye’s first-ever astronaut Alper Gezeravcı, who is in the International Space Station within “the first manned space mission”, the initial leg of the National Space Programme.

Wishing success to Gezeravcı in this first and very important mission, President Erdoğan said that Gezeravcı has inspired all the Turkish nation, children and the youth in particular, with this critical mission.

“That Türkiye’s first-ever manned space mission is a science mission as well is very valuable to us,” President Erdoğan underscored, and noted that thus the Turkish scientists will have a role in the works that will make significant contributions to science literature.

Stating that they aim to spearhead new technologies with the works they have been carrying out while strengthening Türkiye’s international cooperation programmes in the area of space, President Erdoğan said: “Your mission in the international space station is very important and very valuable in this regard.”

Further stressing that Gezeravcı’s mission will further increase the interest of children and the youth in space, President Erdoğan added: “You have been our first-ever astronaut, but obviously you will not be the last. Türkiye has now taken its place among the limited number of countries that have carried out manned space missions. Our journey will inshallah continue by growing stronger.”

Gezeravcı, for his part, thanked President Erdoğan for his remarks and voicing his happiness over being Türkiye’s first-ever astronaut and over taking part in this mission, added: “I am proud of representing my country in this significant and meaningful mission and of carrying our flag in the International Space Station while we are entering the Century of Türkiye in the centenary of our Republic.”