Eastern Anatolia Region

Güroymak Regional Boarding Secondary School

As part of the European Union project strong data-start="38" data-end="74">“Mavide Bilim (Science in Blue)”/strong>, which has been carried out for the past two years by strong data-start="129" data-end="151">Akdeniz University/strong>, strong data-start="153" data-end="179">Galatasaray University/strong>, and the strong data-start="189" data-end="217">Boğaziçi Research Center, students from the Eastern Anatolia Region met with Science in Blue. The presentations delivered by Prof. Dr. Salih Murat Egi, Lecturer at Galatasaray University, and Ufuk Faruk Vardar, a professional diver at the Boğaziçi Underwater Research Center, were followed with great interest by the students of Güroymak Boarding Primary School. During the event, students had the opportunity to learn in detail not only about archaeological studies conducted in the depths of Turkey’s waters, but also about how underwater research is used in industry, tourism, and scientific studies. The presentations covered fundamental diving techniques, safe diving rules, equipment usage, underwater communication methods, and exploration processes. Through this information, students were able to observe how diving and underwater research could play a role in their future career planning. Following the presentations, an exhibition was opened where students closely examined equipment such as diving masks, fins, regulators, and diving cylinders. By seeing and touching the equipment, students were able to reinforce the theoretical knowledge shared during the presentations in a practical way, and they became excited about the possibility of underwater studies as a career option. Some students even expressed their desire to become divers in the future and actively shared their curiosity and questions throughout the event. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the school principal and the dedicated teachers for their hospitality, contributions, and support in making this educational program possible. We also wish all participating students a successful, curiosity-driven, and fulfilling educational journey. We believe that such scientific and experience-based activities play a significant role in increasing students’ career awareness and fostering their scientific curiosity.

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Hasköy Anatolian Imam Hatip High School

As part of the “Mavi Bilim (Science in Blue)” European Union Project, carried out by Akdeniz University, Galatasaray University, and the Boğaziçi Research Center, students from the Eastern Anatolia Region met with Science in Blue. Within this framework, students of Hasköy Anatolian Imam Hatip High School had the opportunity to learn how to access the cultural heritage of the seas.The presentations were delivered by Prof. Dr. Salih Murat Egi, Lecturer at Galatasaray University, and Ufuk Faruk Vardar, a professional diver at the Boğaziçi Underwater Research Center. Students explored a wide range of career opportunities—from archaeological studies conducted in the depths of our national waters to fields such as tourism and industry—and learned how to reach the maritime cultural heritage as well as which educational paths are required to build a career in this field.Following the presentations, students visited an exhibition where they closely examined diving equipment and experienced potential career opportunities in underwater studies. Many students stated that they are considering working as divers in the future.We would like to thank the school principal and our valued teachers for their hospitality and support in making this educational program possible, and we wish our dear students who participated a future filled with academic success.

100. Yıl Gazi Secondary School

As part of the “Mavi Bilim (Science in Blue)” European Union Project, carried out by Akdeniz University, Galatasaray University, and the Boğaziçi Underwater Research Center, students from the Eastern Anatolia Region had the opportunity to explore the underwater world. Within this framework, students from 100. Yıl Gazi Secondary School and Yunus Emre Secondary School learned fast and safe underwater working techniques through Science in Blue presentations.The presentations were delivered by Prof. Dr. Salih Murat Egi, Lecturer at Galatasaray University, and Ufuk Faruk Vardar, a professional diver at the Boğaziçi Underwater Research Center. During the sessions, students were introduced to the methods and equipment used in underwater research and explored how this knowledge can be applied to different professional fields.Following the presentations, students visited an exhibition where they closely examined diving equipment and experienced potential career opportunities in the field of underwater studies. Many students stated that they are considering working as divers in the future.We would like to thank the valued school principals and teachers for their hospitality and support in making this educational program possible. We also wish our dear students who participated great success in their educational journeys.

Yunus Emre Secondary School / Muş

As part of the “Mavi Bilim (Science in Blue)” European Union Project, carried out by Akdeniz University, Galatasaray University, and the Boğaziçi Underwater Research Center, students from the Eastern Anatolia Region had the opportunity to explore the underwater world. Within this framework, students from 100. Yıl Gazi Secondary School and Yunus Emre Secondary School learned fast and safe underwater working techniques through Science in Blue presentations.The presentations were delivered by Prof. Dr. Salih Murat Egi, Lecturer at Galatasaray University, and Ufuk Faruk Vardar, a professional diver at the Boğaziçi Underwater Research Center. During the sessions, students were introduced to the methods and equipment used in underwater research and explored how this knowledge can be applied to different professional fields.Following the presentations, students visited an exhibition where they closely examined diving equipment and experienced potential career opportunities in the field of underwater studies. Many students stated that they are considering working as divers in the future.We would like to thank the valued school principals and teachers for their hospitality and support in making this educational program possible. We also wish our dear students who participated great success in their educational journeys.

Prof. Dr. Necmettin Erbakan Science High School

 The mysterious world of seas and oceans was brought to Erzurum within the scope of the Science in Blue – When Scientists Go Under the Water project. Organized under the project’s “Researchers at Schools” work package, the “Treasures of the Sea” event was held on 27 November 2025 at Prof. Dr. Necmettin Erbakan Science High School in the Yakutiye district. Located within the Şükrü Paşa Education Complex and hosting 467 students, one of Erzurum’s science high schools welcomed the event, which aimed to raise awareness of oceans, seas, and underwater cultural heritage.Following a brief meeting with School Principal Osman Coşkun and Vice Principal Fatih Çimen, the event met with students in the school’s conference hall and began with a presentation by Dr. Çağlar Çakır. Çakır first introduced the aims, scope, and reference projects of Science in Blue, summarizing previous school visits conducted in the Marmara, Southeastern Anatolia, Mediterranean, Aegean, and Central Anatolia regions. He then emphasized the project’s core objective: encouraging students to engage in scientific research underwater in the future.In the first part of the event, the concepts of oceans and seas, the major oceans of the world, and their physical and chemical characteristics were presented to students in a clear yet scientific manner. After a short question-and-answer session, the focus shifted to underwater cultural heritage. Accompanied by photographs and videos selected from underwater research conducted by the Akdeniz University team along the coasts of Türkiye, newly documented discoveries added to the country’s underwater cultural heritage inventory were introduced to the students.With the participation of School Principal Osman Coşkun, as well as teachers Funda Tabay, Özlem Türkez, Halit Hancı, and Cenap Yaşar, the event was completed with strong interest from a total of 104 participants, including 5 teachers and 99 students. Treasures of the Sea succeeded in broadening young minds beyond the horizons of the sea—even in Erzurum, located hundreds of kilometers away from the coast.

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Necip Fazıl Kısakürek Secondary School

Within the framework of the European Union project “Mavide Bilim (Science in Blue)”, which has been carried out for the past two years by Akdeniz University, Galatasaray University, and the Boğaziçi Research Center, students from the Eastern Anatolia Region met with Science in Blue. The presentations delivered by Prof. Dr. Salih Murat Egi, Lecturer at Galatasaray University, and Ufuk Faruk Vardar, a professional diver at the Boğaziçi Underwater Research Center, were followed with great interest by the students. The event was held with the students and dedicated teachers of Necip Fazıl Kısakürek Secondary School.During the event, students learned how they can support scientists in protecting life beneath oceans and lakes. The presentation covered ongoing efforts to conserve marine and freshwater ecosystems, data collection methods, and the ways in which citizens can contribute to scientific research. Following the presentation, students explored a diving equipment exhibition, where they gained both theoretical knowledge and engaging insights into underwater research. The event helped foster environmental awareness among students and encouraged them to develop a deeper understanding of the importance of protecting underwater life.We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the school principal and teachers for their hospitality and valuable support in the realization of this program, and we wish all participating students a successful educational journey filled with achievements.

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Şehit Mahir Ayabak Secondary School

Within the framework of the European Union project “Mavide Bilim (Science in Blue)”, which has been carried out for the past two years by Akdeniz University, Galatasaray University, and the Boğaziçi Research Center, students from the Eastern Anatolia Region met with Science in Blue. The presentations delivered by Prof. Dr. Salih Murat Egi, Lecturer at Galatasaray University, and Ufuk Faruk Vardar, a professional diver at the Boğaziçi Underwater Research Center, were followed with great interest by the students. The event was held with the students and dedicated teachers of Şehit Mahir Ayabak Secondary School.During the event, students were introduced to Marine Citizen Science, a process in which citizens collaborate with scientists to collect data and contribute to scientific research. Participants learned how citizens can support scientific studies to better understand and protect marine ecosystems. Thanks to the diving equipment exhibition, students had the opportunity to gain theoretical knowledge about underwater research and to closely examine the equipment used in the field. The event helped raise students’ awareness of marine life and conservation while increasing their interest in the scientific process.We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the school principal and teachers for their hospitality and valuable support in the realization of this program, and we wish all participating students a successful educational journey filled with achievements.

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Erzurum Anatolian High School

As part of the Eastern Anatolia School Visits under the “Researchers in Schools” work package of the Science in Blue – When Scientist Go Under The Water project, the third event in Erzurum was hosted by one of the city’s long-established high schools, Erzurum Anadolu High School, on Friday, 28 November 2025. Although located hundreds of kilometres away from the sea, the school became a venue where the warming oceans, changing climate, and their far-reaching consequences were brought into focus through the “Is It Getting Warmer?” activity.From Akdeniz University, Dr. Çağlar ÇAKIR and Günay DÖNMEZ met with vice principals Battal KILIÇ and Kürşat ÇİFTÇİ to introduce the aims and scope of the Science in Blue project and to brief the school administration about the ongoing activities. Following this meeting, the event continued in the school’s conference hall, where Dr. Çakır’s presentation first clarified the concepts of global warming and climate change. He then illustrated the long-term sea surface temperature changes of oceans and seas through graphs, explaining how and why these waters are warming and outlining the negative impacts of this process on people, cities, and marine–ocean ecosystems.A question-and-answer session held at the end of the presentation allowed students to voice their curiosity about the warming of waters and the underwater environment. They received detailed answers to their questions on the causes of ocean warming, its implications for underwater life, and the environmental challenges that future generations may face. The event was attended by vice principals Battal KILIÇ and Kürşat ÇİFTÇİ, teacher Naim KARATEPE, and 94 students, resulting in strong overall participation. At Erzurum Anadolu High School, the Science in Blue project provided an important platform for young people to reflect on climate change and the future of the world’s seas and oceans.

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Ömer Nasuhi Bilmen Secondary School

On November 27, 2025, an educational event was held at Erzurum Ömer Nasuhi Bilmen Middle School within the scope of the “Science in Blue” Project.The event, aimed at connecting scientists with students across Turkey, was conducted between 10:00 and 11:45 by the project team members Çağlar Çakır and Günay Dönmez, with the participation of 45 students and 8 teachers. The participating students were from 5th and 6th grades.At the beginning of the event, the objectives and scope of the project were introduced. Subsequently, leading European Union initiatives in this field—such as MPA-Engage—were discussed. The session started with an assessment of participants’ awareness regarding oceans, seas, and underwater cultural heritage. Afterwards, the researchers organizing the event shared their personal experiences in diving, aiming to inspire students to engage in future diving activities and underwater scientific research.The presentation continued with discussions on the concepts of oceans and seas, emphasizing their differences and key characteristics. The session titled “Unmixing Oceans” attracted significant attention from both the school administration and students. This presentation explored in detail topics such as the major oceans of the world, whether these bodies of water actually mix, and the scientific explanations (or lack thereof) behind this phenomenon.Finally, the importance of oceans and seas and strategies for their preservation were presented to the participants. During the Q&A session, students had the opportunity to ask questions about the underwater world. At the conclusion of the event, pre-prepared gifts were distributed to both students and teachers.Throughout the presentations, the experts emphasized that seas are not merely bodies of water, but also constitute economic assets, cultural heritage, and scientific laboratories. The main goal was to enhance students’ awareness of blue economy, underwater cultural heritage, innovative diving technologies, and ocean literacy.In addition, students were introduced to Turkey’s rich underwater cultural heritage, including archaeological shipwrecks and ongoing excavations on the seabed. The significance of underwater archaeology was highlighted not only in terms of historical research but also as a vital component in the protection of cultural heritage.As a result of the event, it is expected that students at Erzurum Ömer Nasuhi Bilmen Middle School have gained greater awareness of oceans, seas, and underwater cultural heritage, developed increased curiosity toward underwater environments and scientific exploration, and improved their understanding of ocean and marine sustainability.

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Dereağzı Secondary School

Within the scope of the European Union project strong data-start="117" data-end="153">“Mavide Bilim (Science in Blue)”/strong>, carried out by Akdeniz University, Galatasaray University, and the Boğaziçi Research Center, students from the Eastern Anatolia Region met with em data-start="299" data-end="316">Science in Blue/em>. The event was delivered to students of strong data-start="357" data-end="386">Dereağzı Secondary School/strong> by strong data-start="390" data-end="419">Prof. Dr. Salih Murat Egi, Lecturer at Galatasaray University, and Ufuk Faruk Vardar, a professional diver at the Boğaziçi Underwater Research Center. The presentations were followed with great interest by the students. During the event, students had the opportunity to learn about underwater writing and communication. The differences between the underwater environment and the surface, how sound and light behave in water, and how these factors affect communication were explained. The presenters then demonstrated how divers and researchers communicate underwater with each other and with their teams, using hand signals, writing boards and slates, as well as basic electronic communication devices. Students also experienced writing underwater through hands-on activities and practiced communication techniques using sample exercises. Throughout the presentation, students observed the challenges of underwater communication and gained an understanding of why effective communication is essential in underwater work. They also learned how divers organize communication during underwater operations and how critical team coordination is for successful research activities. The presentation and practical experience increased students’ curiosity and raised their awareness of underwater research. We would like to thank the school principal and the dedicated teachers for their hospitality and support in the realization of this event, and we wish all participating students a successful educational journey filled with scientific curiosity. We believe that such scientific and experience-based activities play an important role in enhancing both students’ technical skills and their scientific awareness.

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Milli İrade Secondary School

Within the scope of the European Union project “Mavide Bilim (Science in Blue)”, carried out by Akdeniz University, Galatasaray University, and the Boğaziçi Research Center, students from the Eastern Anatolia Region met with Science in Blue. The event was delivered to students of Milli İrade Secondary School by Prof. Dr. Salih Murat Egi, Lecturer at Galatasaray University, and Ufuk Faruk Vardar, a professional diver at the Boğaziçi Underwater Research Center. The presentations were followed with great interest by the students.During the event, students received information on the fundamentals of diving, safe diving practices, and how to begin a career in diving. The presentation covered diving techniques, equipment use, underwater navigation, communication, and the importance of teamwork in detail. The diver’s personal experiences, underwater explorations, and stories highlighting the role of diving in archaeological research were shared with the students. The participants had the opportunity to see that diving can be a viable career path and to learn about the educational pathways available in this field.Following the presentation, an exhibition was organized where students were able to closely examine diving equipment. By observing and handling items such as diving masks, fins, regulators, and tanks, students were able to practically reinforce the theoretical knowledge presented earlier. The presentation and exhibition increased students’ interest in the underwater world, and some students expressed their desire to become divers in the future.We would like to thank the school principal and the dedicated teachers for their hospitality and support in the realization of this event, and we wish all participating students a successful educational journey filled with curiosity and scientific awareness. We believe that such scientific and experience-based activities play an important role in increasing students’ career awareness and interest in underwater research.

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Akdamar Gama Anatolian High School

Within the scope of the European Union project “Mavide Bilim (Science in Blue)”, carried out by Akdeniz University, Galatasaray University, and the Boğaziçi Research Center, students from the Eastern Anatolia Region met with Science in Blue. The event was delivered to students of Akdamar Gama Anatolian High School by Prof. Dr. Salih Murat Egi, Lecturer at Galatasaray University, and Ufuk Faruk Vardar, a professional diver at the Boğaziçi Underwater Research Center. The presentations were followed with great interest by the students.During the event, students were introduced to the fundamentals of diving and learned how a career in diving can begin. The presentation covered topics such as safety rules in diving, required equipment, basic diving techniques, and underwater navigation. In addition, the diver shared personal experiences, underwater explorations, and stories illustrating the role of diving in archaeological research. Students gained valuable insight into diving as a potential career path and the educational opportunities available in this field.Following the presentation, an exhibition was organized where students had the opportunity to closely examine diving equipment such as masks, fins, regulators, and tanks. This allowed them to reinforce the theoretical knowledge shared during the presentation through hands-on observation and to become familiar with diving gear. The presentation and exhibition increased students’ interest in the underwater world, and some students expressed their desire to pursue a future career as divers.We would like to thank the school principal and the dedicated teachers for their hospitality and support in the realization of this event, and we wish all participating students a successful, curious, and enriching educational journey. We believe that such scientific and experience-based activities play a significant role in enhancing students’ career awareness and scientific curiosity.

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Şehit Emin Güner Anatolian Imamhatip High School

Within the framework of the European Union project “Mavide Bilim (Science in Blue)”, which has been carried out for the past two years by Akdeniz University, Galatasaray University, and the Boğaziçi Research Center, students from the Eastern Anatolia Region met with Science in Blue. The presentations delivered by Tamer Özyiğit, Lecturer at Galatasaray University, and Ufuk Faruk Vardar, a professional diver at the Boğaziçi Underwater Research Center, were followed with great interest by the students of Şehit Emin Güner Imam Hatip Anatolian High School.During the event, students learned about the wide range of career opportunities available, from underwater archaeological research conducted in the depths of our country’s waters to industrial applications and tourism. They gained insight into possible career paths in this field and the educational routes required to pursue them. Following the presentations, students had the opportunity to examine diving equipment at the exhibition that was opened afterward. Presenting diving as a potential career option sparked significant interest among the students, and some expressed their desire to become professional divers during the session.We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the school principal and the dedicated teachers for their hospitality and valuable support in the realization of this educational program, and we wish all participating students a successful and fulfilling educational journey.

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Güroymak Anatolian High School

Within the framework of the European Union project “Science in Blue,” which has been carried out for two years by Akdeniz University, Galatasaray University, and the Boğaziçi Research Center, students from the Eastern Anatolia Region met with underwater archaeologists.Presentations delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hakan Öniz, Director of the Akdeniz University Center for Underwater Archaeology, and Underwater Archaeologist Dr. Ceyda Öztosun were followed with great interest by hundreds of students from Güroymak Anatolian High School and Güroymak İpekyolu Girls’ Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School.Supported by the Güroymak District Governorship and the Anatolian Underwater Research and Sports Association, the program provided students with insights into cultural heritage sites located beneath both seas and lakes. During the event, which also highlighted archaeological remains from the depths of Lake Van, students learned that underwater archaeologists had discovered ten new shipwrecks this year. Emphasizing that Türkiye is among the world’s leading countries in this field, the event inspired students to express their desire to one day uncover the secrets hidden in the depths of Lake Van themselves and to pursue higher education in this area.We would like to extend our sincere thanks—first and foremost to the Gürpınar District Governorship, as well as to the Güroymak District Directorate of National Education and the Anatolian Underwater Research and Sports Association—for their support in the realization of this educational program. We also thank Mr. Mehmet Bakır Aysoy, Principal of Güroymak Anatolian High School, Mr. Devran Erdi Açık yol, Principal of Güroymak İpekyolu Girls’ Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School, and our esteemed teachers for their warm hospitality and valuable contributions. Finally, we wish all participating students a future filled with academic success and inspiration.

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Ataturk Primary School

Within the framework of the European Union project “Science in Blue,” which has been carried out for two years by Akdeniz University, Galatasaray University, and the Boğaziçi Research Center, students from the Eastern Anatolia Region met with Science in Blue.Presentations delivered by Lecturer Tamer Özyiğit from Galatasaray University and Ufuk Faruk Vardar, a professional diver at the Boğaziçi University Underwater Research Center, were followed with great interest by the students of Atatürk Primary School.During the presentations, the students watched archaeological studies conducted in the depths of Türkiye’s waters and learned about the robots used to support this research. Following the presentations, they had the opportunity to closely examine underwater robots at the exhibition. Both the robots and the ongoing research sparked great curiosity and enthusiasm among the students.We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the school principal and our esteemed teachers for their warm hospitality and valuable support in making this educational program possible, and we wish all participating students a future filled with success and meaningful learning experiences.

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Güroymak İpekyolu Girls' Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School

Within the framework of the European Union project “Science in Blue,” which has been carried out for the past two years by Akdeniz University, Galatasaray University, and the Boğaziçi Research Center, students from the Eastern Anatolia Region met with underwater archaeologists.Presentations delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hakan Öniz, Director of the Akdeniz University Center for Underwater Archaeology, and Underwater Archaeologist Dr. Ceyda Öztosun were followed with great interest by hundreds of students from Güroymak Anatolian High School and Güroymak İpekyolu Girls’ Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School.Supported by the Güroymak District Governorship and the Anatolian Underwater Research and Sports Association, the program provided students with valuable information about cultural heritage assets located beneath both seas and lakes. During the event, where archaeological remains from the depths of Lake Van were also discussed, students learned that underwater archaeologists have discovered ten new shipwrecks this year. Emphasizing that Türkiye is among the world’s leading countries in this field, the event inspired students to express their desire to uncover the secrets hidden in the depths of Lake Van themselves in the future and to pursue higher education in underwater archaeology.We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Gürpınar District Governorship, Güroymak District Directorate of National Education, and the Anatolian Underwater Research and Sports Association for their support in making this educational program possible; as well as to Mr. Mehmet Bakır Aysoy, Principal of Güroymak Anatolian High School, Mr. Devran Erdi Açık yol, Principal of Güroymak İpekyolu Girls’ Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School, and our esteemed teachers for their warm hospitality and valuable contributions. We also wish all participating students a successful and inspiring educational journey ahead.

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Fevzi Cakmak Primary School

Within the framework of the European Union project “Science in Blue,” which has been carried out for two years by Akdeniz University, Galatasaray University, and the Boğaziçi University Underwater Research Center, students from the Eastern Anatolia Region met with Science in Blue.Presentations delivered by Lecturer Tamer Özyiğit from Galatasaray University and Ufuk Faruk Vardar, a professional diver at the Boğaziçi University Underwater Research Center, were followed with great interest by the students of Fevzi Çakmak Primary School.During the event, the students learned how deep it is possible to dive using scuba diving in our seas. They were introduced, through an engaging and enjoyable presentation, to the equipment required for deep dives and the marine creatures they might encounter during such dives. The presentation sparked strong curiosity among the students, who expressed their enthusiasm and interest in scuba diving in the future.

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