Within the framework of the Mavide Bilim (Science in Blue) Project, supported by the European Commission, expert scientists carried out training and presentation programs for students in the provinces of Bitlis, Muş, and Van on topics including underwater archaeology, the protection of cultural heritage, underwater technologies, and scientific research processes.
The project, implemented in cooperation with Galatasaray University, Akdeniz University, and the Boğaziçi Underwater Research Center (BURC), conducts awareness activities in schools across Turkey’s seven regions on subjects such as the blue economy, underwater cultural heritage, underwater scientific research, and innovative diving technologies. In line with this plan, training and presentation programs were organized in Bitlis, Van, and Muş—selected provinces of the Eastern Anatolia Region—in cooperation with the Anatolian Underwater Research and Sports Association. As part of the “Researchers at School” activities of the Mavide Bilim Project, students received both theoretical and practical training and presentations delivered by Prof. Dr. Salih Murat Egi from Galatasaray University and Ufuk Vardar, a diving instructor from the Boğaziçi Underwater Research and Training Center.
Providing information about the events, Mehmet Salih Aygün, President of the Anatolian Underwater Research and Sports Association, stated:
“Within the scope of the Mavide Bilim project, together with our students in Bitlis, Van, and Muş, we opened the fascinating doors of the underwater world.”
Aygün noted that, through the impactful presentations of Prof. Dr. Salih Murat Egi and Ufuk Vardar, students in Bitlis, Van, and Muş had the opportunity to closely experience OceanReef full-face masks, which enable real-time underwater voice communication. He added:
“In addition, robots and scooters used in underwater research were introduced in detail, including their technical features and purposes. Throughout the event, examples were given to explain how these technologies are revolutionizing marine sciences, contributing to research, and how they will facilitate the work of scientists in the future. Students not only gained theoretical knowledge but also enjoyed learning by seeing and experiencing the equipment up close. During the event, students learned basic diving techniques and had the chance to closely examine equipment such as diving suits, masks, and snorkels. They asked questions about the silent yet vibrant world beneath the sea and explored both the adventurous and disciplined aspects of diving science. We realized that we achieved our main goal—raising young people’s interest in underwater science and encouraging them to explore and learn—through the curiosity shining in our students’ eyes and the wonderful questions they asked. We extend our gratitude to the Bitlis Provincial Directorate of National Education, our schools’ administrators, teachers, and dear students for their support and contributions.”
Also sharing information about the project and activities, Prof. Dr. Salih Murat Egi, Faculty Member of the Department of Computer Engineering at Galatasaray University Faculty of Engineering and Technology, emphasized the importance of the project. Noting that one leg of the project took place in the Eastern Anatolia Region, Egi stated that they had the opportunity to meet with a total of 800 students and more than 100 teachers in the provinces of Bitlis, Van, and Muş.
