Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan praised Turkey’s defense industry as a source of national pride during the opening of the maritime edition of the TEKNOFEST technology festival, titled “Blue Homeland.”
The event is being held at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard Command and will last four days. While the festival officially began today, public participation will be open from August 29 to 31.
In his speech, Erdogan emphasized that “Turkey’s defense industry, a source of pride, is making history,” adding that progress in this sector has earned Turkey international admiration.
“While Turkey’s friends praise its achievements, the country’s opponents are impatiently trying to catch up,” the president stated.
He compared the current technological advancements to the historic struggle for independence, saying: “Just as our country’s fight for independence gave hope to the oppressed 100 years ago, today’s initiatives in the defense industry are giving courage to the oppressed.”
“Wherever there is a brother or sister suffering—from Palestine to Syria, Yemen to Somalia, Sudan to Libya—they take pride in Turkey’s achievements,” he continued.
Erdogan highlighted that Turkey has reached a level that “the world envies” in a short period of time. He also noted that, in addition to strengthening the defense industry, Turkey is working to increase youth interest in technology, digitalization, and innovation.
“Visitors will be able to see how far Turkish maritime technology has advanced,” Erdogan concluded.
