Special Event in Memory of Özdemir Bayraktar by the TEKNOFEST Club

The event “An Akıncı Passed Through This World: Özdemir Bayraktar,” organized by the Üsküdar University TEKNOFEST Club, was held on March 18, 2026, in Classroom A-332. At the event, the life and vision of Özdemir Bayraktar, who played an important role in the development of the Turkish defense industry, and his contributions to the National Technology Initiative were discussed together with students.

At the event, led by active members of the club, insights were shared on the advances Türkiye has made in the defense industry in recent years and the role Özdemir Bayraktar played in this process. The impact of the domestic and national technology approach on the defense industry was particularly emphasized, and attention was drawn to the importance of steering young people toward technology production.

Throughout the program, the development of Türkiye’s unmanned aerial vehicle sector was discussed, along with assessments of the international impact and strategic importance of domestic defense technologies. Participants had the opportunity to take a closer look at how the defense industry is not only a technological field but also one of critical importance in terms of independence, production, and innovation.

The event also featured talks on Özdemir Bayraktar’s engineering approach, the importance he placed on young people, and his production-oriented vision. Students exchanged ideas on the significance of Bayraktar’s influence in spreading a culture of technology development in Türkiye and in encouraging young people to pursue these fields.

Throughout the event, attended by approximately 15 students, participants created an interactive environment by sharing their thoughts on the defense industry and national technology efforts. The program stood out as a productive event that increased students’ awareness of technology and the defense industry.

The event held by the TEKNOFEST Club helped students become more closely acquainted with the national technology vision and was one of the meaningful events that raised awareness of the development of Türkiye’s defense industry.