In order to provide an academic environment to discuss the maritime activities as a whole and contribute to Turkey to take a place in maritime and shipping world, Turkey’s first Maritime Forum was established within the body of Koç University.

According to press release issued by the Directorate of Press and Public Relations Office of University of Kyrenia, 57 persons consisting of Turkey’s leading academics, businessmen, diplomats, retired admirals and seamen take part in the Advisory Board of the Maritime Forum.

Rahmi M. Koç: “We have a lot to do, I hope this Forum will provide platform to discuss, debate and analyze the issues with a frame of higher level”

Attending the Forum’s introductory meeting, Rahmi M.Koç, Honorary Chairman of Koç Holding, underlined the necessity of having think tanks and academic bodies capable to conduct holistic analysis of a country’s maritime and highlighted that the Forum would provide a platform for such bodies to discuss and analyze all strategic, economic, social and cultural aspects regarding maritime. Touching upon the significant activities carried out by such think tanks and academic bodies in many countries, especially in Europe-Atlantic pact countries which are denominated as “marine countries” and already taken their places at the front of maritime civilization, Rahmi M. Koç emphasized that Turkey has covered a long way in maritime activities, conservation of marine life and the fight against pollution. Stating that there was a lot to be done in this area, he underlined the necessity for platforms where maritime issues and approaches would be discussed and analysized within a frame of upper level.

Cem Gürdeniz:”Forum will contribute to the development of maritime”

In his remarks, Cem Gürdeniz, retired admiral and the director of the Forum, emphasized that the Forum would provide contribution to the development of Turkey’s maritime. “For the first time in our country, an intellectual platform has been brought into life within the body of a university to conduct studies and investigate the country’s maritime potential with a holistic perspective and generate new ideas. The Forum aims to follow regional, continental and global developments in all domains of maritime and suggest academic advice that can give direction to foreign affairs, defense, security, economic and socio-cultural policies”” said he.

Ali Rıza İşipek, Director of University of Kyrenia Maritime History Research Center, takes part in the Advisory Board of the Forum…..

Ali Rıza İşipek, Director of University of Kyrenia Maritime History Research Center, takes part in the Advisory Board of the Forum which will function as an intellectual body to evaluate maritime geopolitics and all Turkish maritime domains together and generate ideas to ensure contribution to Turkish maritime and provide academic options for resource owners, entrepreneurs and decision makers.

Ali Rıza İşipek: “As the University of Kyrenia, we are happy with taking part in such an organization”

“The most notable names of Turkey’s maritime sector take active part in this Forum. Very significant studies will be carried out regarding our seas that we have vital interests and the outcomes will have a guiding nature for our policies. It is a source of a pride for us to take part in such a Forum as the University of Kyrenia” said İşipek.