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September 24, 2026 - GTU Office of Press and Public Relations — Gebze Technical University (GTU) Rector and HAVELSAN Chairman of the Board Prof. Hacı Ali Mantar attended the 2026-2027 Academic Year Opening Ceremony of Istanbul Esenyurt University and delivered the opening lecture. In his opening lecture, our Rector addressed the "Role of the Defense Industry in the National Technology Initiative."
The opening ceremony of the 2026-2027 academic year at Istanbul Esenyurt University was held at the Nazım Hikmet Cultural Center. In addition to our Rector Prof. Hacı Ali Mantar, the ceremony was attended by Istanbul Esenyurt University Rector Prof. Süleyman Özdemir, Esenyurt District Governor Fatih Çobanoğlu, Istanbul Esenyurt University Chairman of the Board of Trustees Orhan Özyurt, Esenyurt Deputy Mayor Zekeriya Şanlıer, as well as numerous academics and students.
At the ceremony, our Rector Prof. Hacı Ali Mantar took the stage and delivered the opening lecture titled "The Role of the Defense Industry in the National Technology Initiative," wishing the new academic year success and prosperity.
"Technology Is Important, the Economy Is Important, but Conscience Is Also Important" Pointing out that technology has become one of the most fundamental elements affecting the strategic and diplomatic power of countries, our Rector Prof. Mantar said, "Technology has come to directly affect the strategic and diplomatic superiority of countries in terms of deterrence and its impact in the field. Technology is important, the economy is important, but conscience is also important." Noting that Türkiye is among the few countries developing laser weapons, Prof. Mantar emphasized that technological and scientific capacity in the defense industry must be continuously enhanced.
"Türkiye's Defense Industry Exports Increased by 122%" Sharing statistics on global arms trends with the students, Prof. Mantar referred to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and stated that the global volume of arms increased by 9.2% over the past five years. Pointing out that defense industry imports in Europe increased by 210%, our Rector emphasized that Türkiye's defense industry exports increased by 122% over the same period.
"The National Technology Initiative Is a State Policy" Stating that the National Technology Initiative should not be regarded merely as a technological breakthrough, but rather as a fundamental state policy, our Rector Prof. Hacı Ali Mantar concluded his remarks as follows:
"The National Technology Initiative is a national technology and production mobilization launched to enable Türkiye to become a globally influential, prosperous, and fully independent society."
The ceremony concluded with speeches and the opening lecture, along with wishes for a successful academic year. |
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