Within the scope of the “Mavide Bilim (Science in Blue)” project supported by the European Commission, a presentation program was held for high school students in the Güroymak district of Bitlis on underwater archaeology, the protection of cultural heritage, underwater technologies, and scientific research processes.
The “Mavide Bilim – Science in Blue: When Scientists Go Under the Oceans” project, also supported by the European Commission, continues to attract great interest across Türkiye through its “Researchers at Schools” activities. Implemented in cooperation with Galatasaray University, Akdeniz University, and the Boğaziçi Underwater Research Center (BURC), the project carries out awareness programs in schools across Türkiye’s seven regions on topics such as the blue economy, underwater cultural heritage, underwater scientific research, and innovative diving technologies. In line with this plan, Bitlis was selected as one of the provinces in the Eastern Anatolia Region. Güroymak Anatolian High School and Güroymak İpekyolu Girls’ Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School hosted the project. Students showed strong interest in the program organized within the scope of the “Mavide Bilim” project carried out by Akdeniz University, Galatasaray University, and the Boğaziçi Research Center. Supported by the Güroymak District Governorship and the Anatolian Underwater Research and Sports Association, the program provided students with important information about cultural heritage assets located beneath seas and lakes.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hakan Öniz, Director of the Underwater Archaeology Center at Akdeniz University, and Underwater Archaeologist Dr. Ceyda Öztosun delivered comprehensive presentations to high school students on underwater archaeology, the protection of cultural heritage, underwater technologies, and scientific research processes. During the presentations, students also gained new insights into archaeological remains found in the depths of Lake Van. Learning that underwater archaeologists identified 10 new shipwrecks in the lake this year, students were excited to hear that Türkiye is among the world’s leading countries in the field of underwater archaeology. Some students stated that they would like to pursue education in this field in the future to uncover the secrets of Lake Van.
Students who actively participated in the question-and-answer session were presented with various gifts. The program received full marks from students for being both educational and enjoyable.
Commenting on the Bitlis leg of the program, Mehmet Salih Aygün, President of the Anatolian Underwater Research and Sports Association, emphasized the importance of the event. Stating that the main goal of the project is to raise awareness among young generations about underwater ecosystems and cultural heritage while encouraging scientific curiosity, Aygün said:
“The project, which aims to create awareness for the protection of seas, lakes, and underwater cultural heritage, is of great importance in increasing young people’s scientific curiosity, strengthening environmental awareness, and nurturing future underwater scientists. Especially in regions with unique underwater heritage such as Lake Van, guiding young people toward this field contributes both to the development of scientific research and to the protection of cultural heritage. We are happy to be one of the provinces hosting this valuable project. We thank our esteemed lecturers Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hakan Öniz and Underwater Archaeologist Dr. Ceyda Öztosun for sharing valuable knowledge with our students today. We also extend our gratitude to Güroymak District Governor Mehmet Zahid Uzun, District Director of National Education Abdulmüttalip Güneri, the administrators and teachers of Güroymak Anatolian High School and Güroymak İpekyolu Girls’ Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School, and our dear students for their valuable support and contributions.”
