VISUAL FEAST IN ISKENDERUN BAY: OUR SEAS ARE INVIOLABLE BLUE HOMELAND IS INDIVISIBLE!
Iskenderun Technical University (ISTE) sailed and raised the Turkish Flag in Iskenderun Bay within the scope of 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day Events.
As part of the July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day commemoration activities, Iskenderun Technical University (ISTE) held a flag-raising ceremony at sea in Iskenderun Bay. The event, held on Sunday, July 14, was attended by ISTE Rector Prof. Dr. Tolga Depci, Iskenderun District Governor Murat Sefa Demiryürek, Iskenderun District Police Chief Nevzat Güneş, Chairman of IMEAK Iskenderun Branch Kemal Kutlu, and Dean of ISTE Faculty of Marine Sciences and Technology Prof. Dr. Cemal Turan. The participants embarked on the R/V ISTE 1, led by Rector Prof. Dr. Tolga Depci, and were accompanied by Coast Guard and Marine Police units. During the ceremony, a Turkish flag was unfurled on the ship, underscoring the inviolability of our seas, while honouring the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the Turkish nation and reaffirming the spirit of democracy and national unity.
In a statement regarding the event, ISTE Rector Prof. Dr. Tolga Depci said, "I would like to express my special satisfaction for being together to commemorate such a distinguished and special day, which was turned into a Democracy Day by our Noble Nation under the call and leadership of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, as they suppressed and subdued the treacherous coup attempt on July 15, 2016, one of the most critical turning points in our history, and to remember this commemoration through a special concept like the Blue Homeland manifesto."
Prof. Dr. Depci continued, "When it comes to the indivisible integrity of our Homeland, words cease, ink runs dry, and everything turns into action. July 15 was such a day when these sentiments took flesh and bone. Our Blue Homeland concept embodies this consciousness through our seas, as our motherland comes to life in this spirit. The treacherous coup attempt on July 15, which opened an unforgettable chapter in Turkish history, is the most significant proof that we will never compromise on the idea of a fully independent Turkey on land, in the air, and at sea. The Noble Turkish Nation, which never falls into the masked trap of despondency in the defence of the Homeland, as emphasized by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, 'Anatolia without a navy is not possible. Being strong with a navy is essential for Turkey's defence.' For this line of defence, the Blue Homeland is our red line."
Rector Depci emphasized, "Just as we sent an important message to the world against those who attempted to undermine the indivisible integrity of our Homeland and the free future of our nation during the treacherous coup attempt on July 15, one of the key mottos of our soldiers is to defend this nation in the air, on land, and at sea, and to bear the necessary costs. Our nation has now integrated the concept of the Blue Homeland mentally and physically. Undoubtedly, internal and external enemies opposing the Blue Homeland will lose. The children of our nation will witness many epics and successes related to the Blue Homeland concept in the future, actively shaping and contributing to the course of events. With these thoughts, let no one doubt that we will put forth more effort and determination to raise the innovative youth of tomorrow who follow the path of science, uphold the supremacy of law, and have reached democratic maturity with a free conscience. I extend my gratitude to all friends who contributed to organizing and arranging this program. I pray for Allah's mercy on all our martyrs and wish long lives to our veterans."
This event and statement highlight the university's commitment to honouring those who sacrificed for the nation's democracy and unity while emphasizing the importance of the Blue Homeland concept in Turkey's defence strategy.
